Church-Run Educational Institutions in Kerala Ban Islamic Prayers (Namaz) On Their Campuses
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 Aug 2024
Students
of Nirmala College in Kerala work in the college’s spice garden. (Photo:
Nirmala College)
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India
·
Religious Leader Ramgiri Maharaj Faces Multiple
Firs Over Remarks Against Islam, Prophet
·
DYFI Raises ₹50,000
Through Pork Challenge at Kothamangalam, Dismisses Allegations of Muslim Cleric
·
Muslims Get Representation in State Congress
Unit Ahead Of Assembly Polls Maharashtra
----
Mideast
·
Hamas, Islamic Jihad claim responsibility for
bomb blast in Tel Aviv
·
Hamas Responds to Doha Proposal, Says Netanyahu
‘Obstructing’ Ceasefire Deal
·
Islamic Resistance Targets Zionist Military
Sites, Announces Confirmed Casualties
·
Iraqi Islamic Resistance attacks occupied Golan
with drone
·
The role of Muslim NGOs and Islamic social
finance in global humanitarian efforts
·
Realty and industrials lift QSE sentiments;
Islamic stocks outperform
·
Israel police investigating deadly blast in Tel
Aviv
·
Hezbollah says Israeli forces suffer casualties
after infiltration in Lebanon repelled
-----
Europe
·
UK Civil Servant Warns of War Crimes Complicity
in Resignation Over Israel Arms Exports
·
As Rioters Fill Overcrowded Prisons, UK Turns
to Police Cells
·
Huddersfield Muslim Group Helps Raise £8,000
For Food Bank with Charity Run at Greenhead Park
·
From Paradise to Hell: Aegean Village Stunned
After Turkiye Fire
·
Most Ukrainians ‘hate’ Zelensky – Lukashenko
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Pakistan
·
Two Soldiers, Cop Martyred In D.I. Khan, Lakki
Attacks
·
Airlines Asked To Submit Passenger Details To
Curb Mpox Spread
·
One foreign climber ‘killed’, two stranded on
Gasherbrum IV
·
Reports of cyberattack on ATMs untrue, says
1LINK
·
PTI once again gears up for power show in
capital
·
Harnessing Islamic finance for climate change
·
Nawaz, Maryam discuss cooperation in education,
health, climate change with UK HC
·
Pakistani, Indian companies turning to Dubai
----
South Asia
·
Iran reports deporting over 56,000 Afghan
refugees in past four months
·
Uzbekistan products exhibition inaugurated in
Kabul
·
Afghanistan and Uzbekistan Ink $2.5 Billion in
Deals, Strengthening Economic Ties
·
Third anniversary of IEA: Successes in
security, struggles in economy and the path forward!
·
NRB Islamic Life Insurance: a cautionary tale
-------
Africa
·
Senegal Marks Milestone with Launch of First
Satellite
·
Politicians Think They Are Immune from The
Suffering, Like Bangladesh, Nigeria Heading For Rocks – Adeyanju
·
Aid workers sound alarm over worsening
humanitarian situation in Sudan
·
SADC summit in Harare as the region faces
multiple challenges
·
Tinubu Travelling to France On New Presidential
Jet Released By Chinese Firm, Zhongshan
·
Implementation Of₦70,000
Minimum Wage Requires ‘Consequential’ Adjustment – GovYahaya
·
Cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed at least
22 people, health minister says
------
Southeast Asia
·
New Singapore College of Islamic Studies to
Nurture Future Islamic Leaders
·
No NGOs appointed to raise funds for
Palestinian patients - Khaled
·
Najib never even visited the bank: Lawyer
Shafee slams prosecution’s RM60m power abuse charge in 1MDB trial
·
Philippines detects first mpox case since
December 2023, patient has no travel history
·
Military procurement personnel to be rotated
every three years - Mohamed Khaled
·
Muhyiddin’s 3R remarks: Let the authorities
handle it - Mohamed Khaled
·
Rozaid’s death like losing a family member,
says Anwar
-----
North America
·
Blinken Says Gaza Talks ‘Maybe The Last’ Chance
For Truce
·
Colombia officially approves ban on coal
exports to Israel over its genocidal war
·
US Centcom says it destroyed one Houthi
uncrewed aerial vehicle in Yemen
-----
Arab World
·
Saudi FM and Secretary Blinken discuss Gaza
war, Yemen and Sudan
·
Jordan implements new investor-friendly
regulations: Report
·
Yemenis warned of harsh weather to come as
flood deaths pass 100
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Church-Run Educational Institutions in Kerala Ban Islamic Prayers (Namaz) On Their Campuses
Students of Nirmala College in Kerala
work in the college’s spice garden. (Photo: Nirmala College)
---------
Church-run educational institutions in a southern Indian state have decided not to allow Islamic prayers (namaz) on their campuses.
“We have decided our academic campuses will not allot special space or extra time for Muslim students to offer namaz,” said Father Jose Kulathoor, chancellor of the Eastern rite Syro-Malabar Kothamangalam diocese in southern Kerala.
In two separate incidents in less than a month, Muslim students sought special space and extra time to offer namaz during classes. On Aug. 9, two female students raised the demand at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Paingottoor village in Kothamangalam diocese in central Ernakulam district.
“One of our teachers noticed two female students of Grade XII offering namaz inside the classroom and they were cautioned against it,” said Father Jacob Rathapillil, director of the diocesan Jagratha (vigilance) commission.
“When the school management flatly rejected their demand they went back and there was no further provocation,” said Kulathoor.
On July 26, Church-run Nirmala College in Kothamangalam diocese witnessed protests when staff prevented a few Muslim female students from offering namaz inside a room in the college.
Angry students held the priest principal as a hostage for three hours in support of their demand.
The issue was settled after Muslim leaders in the area disagreed with the demand and sought an apology from the principal and the management.
“There seems to be a well-orchestrated attempt to target our education institutions,” Kulathoor said.
The Deepika, a Church-run daily published from Kerala, on Aug. 14 categorically stated in an editorial that Church-run education institutions “will not permit namaz on their campuses.”
Kerala serves as headquarters of the Syro-Malabar and the Malanka Churches which run many educational institutions in the state.
A senior Church official told UCA News that the bishops will uphold the banning order after a meeting of the synod, the apex decision-making body of the the Syro-Malabar Church, second largest Eastern rite Church.
The Syro-Malabar Church synod began on Aug. 19 in Mount St. Thomas in Ernakulam district in Kerala. Nearly 53 bishops are attending the synod that will conclude on Aug. 31.
Source: ucanews.com
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Houthi Militants Recruit More Than 10,000 Children Over 7 Years — Report
Arab News
August 19, 2024
A Yemeni boy poses with a Kalashnikov
assault rifle during a gathering of newly-recruited Houthi militants in the
capital Sanaa. (AFP)
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DUBAI: The Iran-backed Houthi militia has recruited as many as 10,000 children since the start of the conflict in Yemen in 2014, say human rights groups.
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and SAM Organization for Rights and Freedoms, a civil rights organization in Yemen, the recruitment took place between 2014 and 2021.
A report by Human Rights Watch said the majority of recruits were between 13 and 25 years old, including hundreds — possibly thousands — below the age of 18.
Media releases from the Houthis’ official news outlet, SabaNet, about the militias’ recent recruitment show people who appear to be children. The UN has investigated at least 1,851 individual cases of child recruitment or use by the Houthis since 2010, the report added.
Since 2011, the Houthis have featured on the UN secretary-general’s annual list of groups responsible for grave violations against children in armed conflicts.
Initially listed for their recruitment and use of child soldiers, since 2016 it has also been included for killing and maiming children and for attacks against schools and hospitals.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567981/middle-east
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Concerns Remain InUK Despite Fewer Police Strip-Searches Of Children
AFP
August 19, 2024
Police can carry them out on children
prior to arrest as well as following detention, if guidelines are followed.
(SHUTTERSTOCK/FILE)
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LONDON: Police across England and Wales are conducting fewer strip-searches of children but “concerning practices” remain, including a “widespread failure” to comply with safeguarding procedures, a new watchdog report said Monday.
Officers carried out 457 such searches in the year to June 2023 — equivalent to one child every 19 hours — children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza found in her latest assessment of the contentious practice.
She noted numbers in all of 2022 were 42 percent down on 2020, hailing “clear and positive change” in its use.
But de Souza warned that the strip-searches, which have been repeatedly criticized for disproportionately targeting black boys and lacking oversight, were still being overused and under-regulated.
Her report — the third within two years — found black children were still four times more likely to be strip-searched than the overall child population.
Meanwhile half of the 2022-23 cases resulted in no further action being taken, “calling into question the necessity of such an intrusive search in the first place,” she noted.
The commissioner has been focusing on the policy following the high-profile case of “Child Q.”
The 15-year-old black schoolgirl was strip-searched by female officers in 2020 after being wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis, despite them being aware she was menstruating.
London’s Metropolitan Police apologized for their conduct two years later, and three officers face gross misconduct disciplinary charges following a police watchdog investigation.
In her latest assessment, de Souza said her “firm recommendation” was for strip-searches on children only to be used when “there is a clear and immediate danger to the child or others.”
“The majority of searches are still conducted on suspicion of drugs and... could be preventable,” she noted.
The commissioner added there was “an urgent need to strengthen guidance around strip-searches, ensure oversight and inspection, and reform a culture that has allowed non-compliance to go unchallenged.”
A strip-search is defined in England and Wales as one that exposes intimate parts.
Police can carry them out on children prior to arrest as well as following detention, if guidelines are followed.
They include officers acting in a sensitive, proportionate way and an appropriate adult being present.
The new Labour government has vowed to implement new safeguards proposed by the previous Conservative government to improve enforcement of the guidance.
An interior ministry spokeswoman said that “no child should ever be strip searched without an appropriate adult unless there is a risk of serious harm to themselves or others.”
“Whilst there have been improvements, it is clear standards are not always being followed as they should,” she added, noting it will “carefully consider” the commissioner’s recommendations.
Source: arabnews.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567999/world
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Pakistan Ex-PM Imran Khan Applies to Be Oxford Chancellor
AFP
August 19, 2024
Khan, prime minister from 2018 to 2022,
has just marked one year in prison. (FILE/AFP)
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Islamabad: Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has applied to become the next chancellor of Britain’s prestigious University of Oxford, his party said.
Khan, prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has just marked one year in prison on various charges from corruption to inciting violence that he said are politically motivated and designed to keep him from power.
“Imran Khan had given instructions that he would like to submit his application and now the application scrutiny will take place,” Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the London-based spokesman for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, told AFP.
“It’s a ceremonial post but one with utmost prestige and importance and Imran Khan, being one of the larger or more popular names coming out of Oxford, it would be brilliant to see him as chancellor,” he said.
Conservative peer Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, announced in February he was stepping down as Oxford chancellor.
The list of candidates for the 10-year term will not be made public until October, according to the university’s website, with voting taking place at the end of the month.
Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975 after studying philosophy, politics, and economics.
He led a playboy lifestyle during his career as one of Pakistan’s greatest cricket players, regularly gracing the pages of Britain’s gossip magazines.
Married three times, including to British socialite and filmmaker Jemima Goldsmith, he later turned to philanthropy and politics.
He faced a backlash from women’s rights groups while prime minister for linking Pakistan’s high rates of sexual violence to the clothes that women wear.
Khan was ousted in 2022 and then launched a comeback campaign in which he criticized Pakistan’s powerful military, whose leading generals had once backed him, and drew massive crowds onto the nation’s streets.
“If he does become the chancellor, he would be the first of Asian descent. It wouldn’t be something only for Pakistan, but it would be a great achievement for all of Asia and the rest of the world,” Bukhari said.
Other prominent applicants and Oxford alumni include former foreign secretary William Hague and former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, according to British media reports.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568004/world
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Islamic Emirate Celebrate 105th Anniversary of Independence from British
2024-08-19
KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan marked the 105th anniversary of the country’s independence from
British with a grand ceremony held at the Ministry of National Defence.
High-ranking officials, including numerous Mujahideen, gathered to commemorate the historic occasion. Mullah Abdul Ghani BaradarAkhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Afghanistan’s ancestors in securing the nation’s freedom.
“Commemorating the 28th of Asad serves as a powerful reminder to all Afghans of the sacrifices made by our forefathers,” said Baradar. “Armed with little more than their faith, they courageously fought against British colonial forces, ultimately securing Afghanistan’s independence. Preserving this hard-earned freedom is a religious and national duty incumbent upon every Afghan.”
Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, provided a historical overview of the Afghan-British wars, drawing parallels between those past struggles and the recent sacrifices made by the Afghan people to end the 20-year American occupation.
Mawlawi Mohammad YaqoobMujahid, the Acting Minister of National Defense, urged the Mujahideen to maintain a respectful and compassionate demeanor towards the public. He reiterated that observing days like Asad 28th is crucial for keeping the legacy and history of Afghanistan’s ancestors alive, ensuring the nation’s commitment to protecting its independence and the Islamic system.
Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Acting Minister of Interior, spoke about the significance of Afghan jihad and struggles throughout history, stressing the importance of preserving the legacy of Asad 28.
Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed the value of independence and the means to safeguard it, noting that freedom is attained through courage, determination, and sacrifice.
The ceremony concluded with Mullah Abdul Ghani BaradarAkhund laying a wreath at the Independence Monument within the Ministry of National Defense as a tribute to the sacrifices of the Afghan nation.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-celebrate-105th-anniversary-of-independence-day/
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India
Religious Leader Ramgiri Maharaj Faces Multiple Firs Over Remarks Against Islam, Prophet
18 August 2024
Mumbai: Several FIRs have been registered against religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj in Maharashtra for his alleged objectionable remarks against Prophet Mohammad and Islam, a police official said on Sunday.
The remarks were allegedly made recently by Ramgiri Maharaj at Shah Panchale village in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district during a religious event and its video went viral on social media, police had said earlier.
Ramgiri Maharaj has said that his remarks concerned the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Besides Mumbai and the districts of Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune and Thane, a case has also been registered against him at JalgaonJamod police station in Buldhana district, the official said.
Samiullah Khan, who identifies himself as an Islamic scholar, wrote on X, “FIR has been registered against the hatemonger for insulting the Prophet at JalgaonJamod police station in Maharashtra.” He demanded the immediate arrest of the Hindu seer.
“We will not sit silently on the attack on the dignity of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. If he is not arrested, peaceful protests will increase across the state and country. Modi government should answer why sensitive crime like insulting Prophet Muhammad is increasing in India,” he wrote in the post on X.
#BREAKING FiR has been registered under BNS 299, against the Hatemonger Ganga Giri Maharaj for insulting Prophet Muhammad PBUH at JalgaonJamod police station in Maharashtra.
A massive protest led by my friend and muslim community leader doctor Shakir Khan also happened. Ulemas… pic.twitter.com/v6aIv5TxdK
The religious leader faces FIR in Mumbai’s Mahim and Pydhonie police stations.
In Thane district, the Mumbra police on Saturday booked him for hurting religious feelings, promoting enmity between groups over religion, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, criminal intimidation and other charges on the complaint of Maulana Sajid-Ul-Rehman.
Amid the row over his comments, Chief Minister EknathShinde had shared the dais with the religious leader during an event in Nashik district on Friday and called him a “saint”, while minister Girish Mahajan and former Ahmednagar MP SujayVikhePatil touched his feet on stage.
Speaking at the function, Ramgiri Maharaj, the mahant of Sarla Bet Dham in Shrirampur taluka of Ahmednagar district, defended his controversial remarks, saying that they were in response to the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh and that his objective was to unite members of the Hindu community.
Source: deccanherald.com
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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/ramgiri-maharaj-faces-multiple-firs-over-remarks-against-islam-prophet-3155033
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DYFI Raises ₹50,000 Through Pork Challenge at Kothamangalam, Dismisses Allegations of Muslim Cleric
August 18, 2024
A meat counter set up as part of the pork challenge organised by the DYFI Kothamangalam Municipal North Meghala Committee on Sunday.
The Kothamangalam Municipal North Meghala Committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) raised around ₹50,000 through a pork challenge on Sunday to support the Wayanad landslides-affected people.
The day saw 517 kg of the meat being sold, including the 382 kg for which orders were received earlier and the 135 kg sold through a meat counter set up at Minippadi, said Geo Pious, block secretary of the organisation. The funds would be contributed to the DYFI’s campaign for constructing 25 houses for the landslides-affected, said Mr. Pious.
Incidentally, the pork challenge has not gone down well with some Muslim clerics, including NazarFaiziKoodathayi, State secretary of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangam, who felt that the organisation was attempting to smuggle in blasphemy in the form of the pork challenge.
The organisation had held a similar campaign in Kasaragod earlier this month.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/dyfi-raises-50000-through-pork-challenge-at-kothamangalam-dismisses-allegations-of-muslim-cleric/article68539688.ece
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Muslims Get Representation In State Congress Unit Ahead Of Assembly Polls Maharashtra
19, 2024
Faisal Malik
Mumbai: Amid criticism over not giving candidature from the Muslim community in the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra, the Congress leadership appointed Syed Muzaffar Hussain as working president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday. Hussain is a two-term MLC and the first deputy mayor of Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation.
It has also inducted former minority affairs minister Arif Naseem Khan into the Congress Working Committee (CWC) as a special invitee. Khan is a four-term MLA from Kurla and Chandivali assembly constituencies. He also held several portfolios in the successive Congress-NCP governments till 2014.
The appointments were made months before the state assembly elections expected to be held in October-November. On August 16, the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) declared appointing Balasaheb Thorat as a CWC member and Khan as a special invitee. Both Khan and Hussain are senior leaders who represent the Muslim community in Congress.
With the appointment of Hussain as a working president of the state unit, the number of working presidents has increased to six, including Arif Naseem Khan, ChandrakantHandore, ShivajiraoMoghe, KunalPatil and PranitiShinde.
Khan said that the Congress tried to compensate the community for the lack of representation in the Lok Sabha elections. “In the recently held Lok Sabha elections the minority community was ignored to an extent when it came to giving candidature. It has now tried to compensate for this at the organizational level,” Khan said adding, “I hope in the assembly polls all communities will get proper representation, especially the minority community.”
Khan, who was interested in contesting the Mumbai North-West constituency, had been vocal against the party’s decision not to field any Muslim candidate from Maharashtra. He had offered to resign as star campaigner from the Congress campaign committee.
When Congress did not give a single candidate from the Muslim community in the Lok Sabha elections, it faced a lot of criticism for being a secular outfit.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/urban-agenda-decarbonising-freights-101719330311130.html
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Mideast
Hamas, Islamic Jihad claim responsibility for bomb blast in Tel Aviv
Reuters
August 19, 2024
TEL AVIV: The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility on Monday for a bomb blast near a synagogue in Tel Aviv that Israeli police and the Shin Bet intelligence agency described as a terrorist attack.
A man who was carrying the bomb was killed and a passerby was injured in the incident late on Sunday, according to police at the scene.
In their statement the Brigades added that their “martyrdom operations” inside Israel would return to the forefront as long as the “occupation’s massacres and assassination policy continue” — an allusion to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and the July 31 killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Israel has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh’s death in the Iranian capital.
The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year when Hamas gunmen stormed across the border into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s military campaign has since levelled wide swathes of the Gaza Strip and killed at least 40,000 people, according to the enclave’s health authorities.
Sunday’s explosion in Tel Aviv came about an hour after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza to end the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas.
There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of an escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Haniyeh.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567998/middle-east
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Hamas responds to Doha proposal, says Netanyahu ‘obstructing’ ceasefire deal
18 August 2024
Hamas has squarely blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following two days of talks in Doha that concluded on Friday, in which the Palestinian resistance movement did not participate
Hamas gave its official response in a statement on Sunday after reviewing the outcomes of the negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt as well as the United States.
Hamas called on the mediators to present a concrete plan to implement the proposals agreed upon on July 2, emphasizing the need to avoid a continuous cycle of stalled negotiations due to Netanyahu's delaying tactics and new conditions.
The resistance movement accused Netanyahu of employing a strategy to buy time and prolong the aggression in Gaza.
"We became certain that Netanyahu is still putting obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement," Hamas said in its statement.
The group emphasized that the latest proposal presented during the talks aligns with Netanyahu's conditions, which notably include his rejection of a permanent ceasefire and any withdrawal from Gaza.
The resistance movement highlighted that the proposal also reflects Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining control over strategic areas of Gaza, including the Netzarim Junction, the Rafah Crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor.
Furthermore, Hamas criticized the new conditions that Netanyahu imposed on the prisoner exchange negotiations.
"We hold Netanyahu fully responsible for thwarting the mediators’ efforts and obstructing the path to an agreement," it reiterated.
Hamas asserted that they have approached the mediation efforts in Qatar and Egypt responsibly, and has considered all proposals intended at stopping the aggression against Palestinians and concluding a prisoner exchange deal.
This approach, Hamas noted, is driven by a desire to spare the blood of their people and end the ongoing violence and genocide against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The movement also reaffirmed its commitment to what it agreed upon on July 2, which was outlined by US President Joe Biden at the end of May and approved by the UN Security Council.
“We call on the mediators to fulfill their responsibilities and oblige the occupation to implement what has been agreed upon,” it added.
The latest round of ceasefire talks on Gaza concluded in Doha without a breakthrough on Friday, but a new date has been set for further discussions next week.
A statement from the White House, issued by co-mediators Qatar and Egypt, described a fresh proposal that they said builds “on areas of agreement” and seeks to bridge remaining gaps, allowing for “a swift implementation of the deal.”
In a separate statement late Friday, President Biden expressed optimism about a deal, saying that the “bridging proposal” provides a foundation for a final agreement on a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.
Despite the optimistic tone, dozens of rounds of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel have failed to produce an agreement since a short-lived truce collapsed in December.
The mediation efforts have suffered several setbacks, chief among them the assassination of Hamas's political leader and chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in an Israeli strike in Tehran late in July.
Source: presstv.ir
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Islamic Resistance targets Zionist military sites, announces confirmed casualties
18 Aug 2024
BEIRUT August 18. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah, announced on Sunday, that it had bombed a number of sites belonging to the Zionist enemy army in northern occupied Palestine and in the occupied Lebanese territories, confirming that confirmed casualties had occurred there.
The Islamic Resistance said in a series of military statements that its fighters "targeted the headquarters of the Al-Sahl Battalion in the "Beit Hillel" barracks with volleys of Katyusha rockets, and also targeted the "Zar'it" barracks with artillery shells.
It added that its fighters targeted this afternoon the espionage equipment in the Ruwaysat al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese hills of KfarShuba, which led to its destruction, and they also targeted the Al-Malikiya site, the Jal al-Alam site and the soldiers deployed in its vicinity, with artillery shells.
The Islamic Resistance also targeted with rocket weapons, this evening, Sunday, the "Zabdin" and "Ruwaysat al-Qarn" sites in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and directly hit them.
While the enemy army monitored the launching of dozens of rockets on the Upper and Western Galilee and the Galilee Finger in northern occupied Palestine, the Galilee Settlements Council again called on the settlers of more than six settlements to stay near the shelters in northern occupied Palestine.
The sirens sounded in the "Shlomi" area in northern occupied Palestine.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3360341.htm
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Iraqi Islamic Resistance attacks occupied Golan with drone
Aug 18, 2024
According to al-Mayadeen, the Islamic resistance of Iraq groups has once again attacked one of the military targets of the Zionists in the occupied territories of Palestine.
The Islamic Resistance of Iraq issued a statement and announced that it attacked a military target in the occupied Golan last week in response to the crimes committed by the Zionist regime against the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.
According to the statement of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq, they conducted the attack with a drone.
Source: mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/219755/Iraqi-Islamic-Resistance-attacks-occupied-Golan-with-drone
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The role of Muslim NGOs and Islamic social finance in global humanitarian efforts
AUGUST 19, 2024 |
DR ABDULFATAH SAID MOHAMED AND AFEF DHIFALLAH/DOHA
There can be no denying that the need for humanitarian assistance to contend with natural and man-made disasters is growing. In response, various organisational models shaped by cultural, religious, and operational factors continue to deliver aid and relief where it is needed most.
Previously dominated by Western actors, Islamic contributions to global humanitarian efforts have grown rapidly in recent decades — so much so that Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) today occupy a distinctive and pivotal role within the global humanitarian framework, increasingly serving as key partners in international aid initiatives and relief efforts.
A diverse and global network of Muslim NGOs are currently active across an array of humanitarian sectors, including healthcare, education, and development. Many have garnered significant attention in recent years thanks to their successful fundraising efforts within the Islamic philanthropic sector and ability to respond directly to crises impacting the Islamic world. This has elevated some Muslim NGOs’ prominence on the international stage, especially against the backdrop of funding challenges facing Western humanitarian organisations.
As faith-based organisations, Muslim NGOs derive inspiration and guidance from the teachings of Islam, often integrating spiritual principles into their mission, operations, and services. Central to their ethos is the concept of the afterlife, which profoundly influences their operations. The humanitarian ethos of Muslims is also anchored in the spirit of giving, driven by a desire to secure spiritual welfare in the afterlife.
Muslims donate part of their wealth to those in need, motivated by a belief in accumulating good deeds, drawing closer to Allah, and aspiring for the rewards of paradise. Engaging in goodness splits into two realms: serving the Divine, which pertains to honouring Allah’s decrees; and acts of kindness, which involve showing mercy towards Allah’s creations.
Both encourage gestures of generosity towards the less fortunate and engaging in gentle discourse with others. And Allah proclaims: “And do good, for Allah certainly loves the good-doers.” This encapsulates the essence of Islamic philanthropy, highlighting a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere ritualistic practices to include a broad spectrum of benevolent acts. It also underscores the intrinsic link between faith, ethical conduct, and the welfare of the broader community.
Accordingly, the ideological alignment of Muslim NGOs reflects Islamic principles when integrating religious mandates with operational objectives. This comprehensive approach incorporates values such as Rahmah (compassion), Bir (righteousness), Adl (justice), Amanah (trustworthiness and honesty), and the obligation to help those in need. These values play a crucial role in shaping humanitarian efforts, safeguarding the rights of all involved and ensuring justice and fairness.
Fundraising in Muslim NGOs is also rooted in Islamic social financial principles and primarily derived from Muslim donors who believe that the actions of aid and giving are not confined to the temporal sphere but imbued with an awareness of and preparation for the life to come. Islamic giving includes both voluntary and obligatory giving. Voluntary giving encompasses acts of Sadaqah (voluntary charity), waqf (endowments) and any deeds performed in hope of divine reward. Obligatory giving is represented by Zakat, a form of almsgiving treated as a religious duty and purified means of wealth.
This dichotomy highlights a profound commitment to a cycle of generosity, underscored by divine promises of immense reward for the givers and severe consequences for those neglecting their duty. Zakat is a key source of funds, strictly regulated to ensure aid reaches those most in need and supports the development of the Muslim Ummah according to Shariah law. Sadaqah further supplements these efforts, allowing for broader support and development initiatives. Both are complemented by the Waqf model, which generates ongoing income from assets such as rental properties or profits from businesses.
The above model provides a stable financial base for charitable activities, ensuring that funds are available for long-term initiatives rather than relying on one-time donations or grants. It also highlights the unique approach of Muslim NGOs to managing resources and delivering aid.
The commitment of Muslim NGOs to Islamic principles further ensures that their work is not only effective but also spiritually fulfilling for both donors and beneficiaries.
World Humanitarian Day provides the perfect opportunity to reaffirm that Muslim NGOs play a unique and complementary role in the global humanitarian sector, particularly through their integration of Islamic finance principles. Thanks to its remarkable efficiency, Islamic social finance has also become an integral part of the discourse on humanitarian efforts.
This has gained recognition from prominent global entities such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which established the Refugee Zakat Fund after thorough consultations with religious scholars.
Understanding the distinct approaches of Muslim NGOs enhance the appreciation of diverse humanitarian practices and their impacts on global welfare. It also fosters collaboration and dialogue between different types of NGOs, contributing to more effective and inclusive humanitarian efforts.
l Dr Abdulfatah Said Mohamed is Associate Professor of Islam and Global Affairs at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Islamic Studies.lAfefDhifallah is a humanitarian professional at Qatar Charity, specialising in child protection. She holds dual master’s degrees in Islam and Global Affairs from Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Linguistics and Arabic Lexicography from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. (This piece has been submitted by HBKU’s Communications Directorate on behalf of its authors. The thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect an official University stance).
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Source: gulf-times.com
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Realty and industrials lift QSE sentiments; Islamic stocks outperform
SANTHOSH V. PERUMAL
AUGUST 18, 2024
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining as much as 10 points on buying interests, especially in the real estate and industrials counters.
The domestic institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.1% to 10,135.37 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,157 points.
The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net buying in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 6.42%.
The foreign individuals weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.29bn or 0.05% to QR586.1bn on the back of microcap segments.
However, the Qatari individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw 7,035 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across five deals.
The foreign institutions turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.
The Arab individuals were also seen bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.
The Islamic index was seen outperforming the othe4r indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.
The Total Return Index was up 0.1%, the All Islamic Index by 0.21% and the All Share Index by 0.02% in the main market.
The realty sector index gained 0.48% and industrials 0.47%; while insurance declined 0.4%, telecom 0.31%, consumer goods and services 0.29%, transport 0.1% and banks and financial services 0.07%.
As much as 48% of the stocks extended gains to investors in the main bourse with major movers being Inma Holding, Widam Food, Al Khaleej Takaful, Salam International Investment and Untied Development Company. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.
Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Zad Holding, Doha Insurance, Al Meera, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar National Cement and Ooredoo were among the shakers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.
The domestic funds were net buyers to the tune of QR14.42mn compared with net sellers of QR2.21mn on August 15.
The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased marginally to QR6.67mn against QR6.04mn the previous trading day.
The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined perceptibly to QR0.93mn compared to QR1.91mn last Thursday.
However, the Qatari individuals’ net profit booking grew substantially to QR12.04mn against QR3.75mn on August 15.
The foreign funds turned net sellers to the extent of QR6.57mn compared with net buyers of QR0.69mn the previous trading day.
The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR1.29mn against net buyers of QR0.34mn last Thursday.
The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.36mn compared with net buyers of QR0.8mn on August 15.
The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.
Trade volumes in the main market shrank 16% to 94.64mn shares, value by 21% to QR220.68mn and transactions by 31% to 8,750.
Source: gulf-times.com
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Israel police investigating deadly blast in Tel Aviv
August 19, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel police are investigating an explosion that killed one person in Tel Aviv on Sunday, a spokesperson said, appearing to suggest the incident could have been a militant attack.
“It has been confirmed as a bomb explosion,” the police spokesperson said. “As a result of the explosion, one person, whose identity is still unknown, was killed, and another person was moderately injured.”
“All investigative avenues are being explored,” the spokesperson added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hezbollah says Israeli forces suffer casualties after infiltration in Lebanon repelled
19 August 2024
Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have shelled and fired a barrage of rockets at a group of Israeli forces as they were attempting to sneak across the border from the northern part of the 1948 occupied territories into southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah said in a statement early on Monday that its members carried out the operation after they closely monitored the Israeli troops that sought to infiltrate Lebanon in the HadabAita forest area.
The attack caused casualties and forced the Israeli troops to retreat, the resistance group noted.
On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed a series of attacks on the northern side of the occupied lands, including a rocket attack on military barracks in Beit Hillel and military positions in Jal al-Allam, al-Malikiya, Zabadani and Shtula.
Hezbollah fighters also targeted and destroyed spying devices at the Ruwaisat al-Alam site in the occupied Lebanese KfarShuba hills with artillery shells.
Moreover, Israeli Zebdine and Ruwaisat al-Qarn military sites in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms were struck with separate rocket barrages, and the designated targets were precisely hit.
Hezbollah resistance forces also targeted espionage devices at the Misgav Am site, and shelled the Rahib site.
A state of anticipation and caution prevails in Lebanon following the assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander FuadShukr in an Israeli airstrike on a building in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh on July 30.
Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has vowed retaliation for the act of terror.
Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched the genocidal war against the Gaza Strip in response to a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group.
The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its war on Gaza, which has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the besieged territory.
Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs.
Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.
Source: presstv.ir
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Europe
UK Civil Servant Warns Of War Crimes Complicity In Resignation Over Israel Arms Exports
Arab News
August 19, 2024
LONDON: The UK government “may be complicit in war crimes,” according to a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office official who has resigned over arms sales to Israel.
Mark Smith, who was based at the British Embassy in Dublin and worked on both arms export licenses and counterterrorism measures, told colleagues in an email seen by the BBC that he had raised concerns “at every level” in the FCDO but received only basic acknowledgments over his queries.
In the email, sent to hundreds of government officials, Smith said “each day” he and others involved in Middle East arms export licensing assessments were seeing “clear and unquestionable examples” of war crimes committed in Gaza by Israeli forces, and there was “no justification for the UK’s continued arms sales to Israel.”
Smith described himself as “a subject matter expert in the domain of arms sales policy” after “a long career in the diplomatic service,” adding: “As a fully cleared officer raising serious concerns of illegality in this Department, to be disregarded in this way is deeply troubling. It is my duty as a public servant to raise this.”
He wrote: “Senior members of the Israeli government and military have expressed open genocidal intent, Israeli soldiers take videos deliberately burning, destroying and looting civilian property.”
Smith added: “Whole streets and universities have been demolished, humanitarian aid is being blocked and civilians are regularly left with no safe quarter to flee to. Red Crescent ambulances have been attacked, schools and hospitals are regularly targeted. These are War Crimes.”
The email continued: “Ministers claim that the UK has one of the most ‘robust and transparent’ arms export licensing regimes in the world, however this is the opposite of the truth.”
The UK has granted arms export licenses worth £574 million ($727 million) to Israel since 2008, according to the Campaign Against Arms Trade. The government recently said this was “relatively small,” worth just £42 million in 2022.
The licenses were placed under review by Foreign Secretary David Lammy “on day one in office,” according to the FCDO, after the Labour Party took power in the UK general election on July 4.
The BBC reported that dissent among British, US and EU officials over potential war crimes and breaches of international law by Israel had reached “unprecedented levels” since last October, but that resignations such as Smith’s remained “extremely rare for the British government.”
In May, the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor applied for arrest warrants to be issued for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes.
The FCDO declined to comment on Smith’s resignation. “This government is committed to upholding international law. We have made clear that we will not export items if they might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violations of International Humanitarian Law,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“There is an ongoing review process to assess whether Israel is complying with International Humanitarian Law, which the Foreign Secretary initiated on day one in office. We will provide an update as soon as that review process has been completed.”
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As rioters fill overcrowded prisons, UK turns to police cells
Reuters
August 19, 2024
The arrests of more than 1,100 suspects over the racist violence had worsened a prison capacity crisis
Britain has western Europe’s highest rate of incarceration and prisoner numbers have risen sharply since the pandemic
LONDON: Britain will use an emergency measure to detain suspected criminals in police station cells until it can find space for them in its overcrowded prisons after police arrested hundreds over widespread rioting this month.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government said on Monday the arrests of more than 1,100 suspects over the racist violence aimed at migrants and Muslims had worsened a prison capacity crisis, which has already forced ministers to say they will allow jails to release more prisoners early.
The new, temporary measure will mean suspects will be summoned to court only when it is confirmed that a cell is available in one of the more than 100 prisons across the country. Until then they will be held in a police station.
“We inherited a justice system in crisis and exposed to shocks,” prisons minister James Timpson said in a statement. “As a result, we have been forced into making difficult but necessary decisions to keep it operating.”
Overcrowded prisons have presented Starmer, who took office last month, with an early crisis, leaving his government with unpalatable and costly choices.
Britain has western Europe’s highest rate of incarceration and prisoner numbers have risen sharply since the pandemic, due to longer sentences, court delays and a requirement for serious offenders to serve at least 65 percent of their sentences behind bars.
Under plans announced by Starmer last month, most prisoners will become eligible for release after serving 40 percent of their sentences behind bars, down from 50 percent previously.
Monday’s measures are expected to tackle lower prison capacity in the north of England, a region affected by the recent rioting, which followed misinformation that the suspect in the murder of three young girls was an Islamist migrant.
Source: arabnews.com
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Huddersfield Muslim group helps raise £8,000 for food bank with charity run at Greenhead Park
Andrew Robinson
19 AUG 2024
More than 250 people took part in a charity run and walk in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, with more around £8,000 raised to support a local food bank.
The event on Sunday was organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth and Elders Association in Huddersfield, and was supported by civic dignitaries and members of a local Masonic lodge. Participants could walk or run 10k or 5k and there was food and drinks as well as entertainment.
Fatihulhaq, external affairs secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Huddersfield, said: "This walk is part of a long-standing tradition within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, dedicated to supporting the less fortunate, including the homeless, and various local and national charities.
"The enthusiasm displayed by men, women, children, and even disabled participants during the walk underscores the importance and passion our members have for helping others. It is crucial to instil values of compassion, brotherhood, and community cohesion in our youth from an early age, ensuring they grow into responsible and caring members of society."
Sabahat Karim, the youth leader, and Sadakat Ahmad, of the the Elders Association, expressed their gratitude to all participants for their support.
Medals and food were distributed at the event's conclusion, and a "strong sense of unity and purpose was felt by all," said Fatihulhaq.
He added: "In these challenging times, it is vital to promote positive activities that foster peace and mutual respect. We will continue to organise such events, contributing to the well-being of our society.
Source: examinerlive.co.uk
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From paradise to hell: Aegean village stunned after Turkiye fire
August 19, 2024
SANCAKLI, Turkiye: A picturesque village perched high on the slopes of hills offered a stunning sea panorama on Turkiye’s western coast — until the engulfing flames turned the scene from paradise to a nightmare.
Fires have ripped through forests and steep valleys around Turkiye’s third most-populous city Izmir in recent days.
Abdullah Ozata was desperate to see the scale of the damage when he returned to his nearby village of Sancakli, one of the areas where residents were evacuated to avoid the rushing flames.
“Twelve of my sheep and 50 chickens have perished in the blaze” that roared across the landscape, he told AFP, while showing the remains of burnt animals, turned into ash.
“I lost all my livestock,” the 43-year-old lamented as he walked among the debris. “I neither have another job nor another source of income.”
Two officials from the finance ministry photographed the damage and recorded Ozata’s loss for the compensation claim.
“The gendarmerie evacuated us against the human loss but I lost my animals,” he said.
“Our village was pretty, it was like a paradise, but it has turned into a hell.”
After four days of raging flames spread by strong winds, the fire has largely been brought under control, authorities said Sunday.
But the fire — the biggest Turkiye has seen yet this summer — has left huge areas of charred and blackened land, destroying olive trees, gardens and beehives.
At least 43 buildings were damaged in Izmir, while 26 people were hospitalized with injuries related to the blaze.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said that efforts to douse hotspots were continuing but that the flames were now largely controlled in one place.
GokhanCekmez was evacuated during the fire, but defied official orders to slip back into the village through a river in an effort to battle the flames.
“I played hide-and-seek with the gendarmerie, and without me and other villagers, the scale of the damage would have been much more serious,” the 35-year-old said.
“The outside help was not enough. We tried hard to put out the fire with pots and plates.”
In Sancakli the water was just beginning to run again on Sunday, after pipes were burned by the blaze, and authorities were still repairing the electricity cables damaged by the fire.
Local administrator Ilhan Kaya said agriculture and animal breeding were the only source of income for the 200-strong village.
“The villagers have to survive with the help of the state for at least six months, we will wait for the burned areas to turn green,” Kaya said.
GulhanArasa, wearing a flowered headscarf on the terrace of her three-story house, was still haunted by the nightmare of the fire.
“I wish authorities would let me (help), even though I am a woman, I would take a hose and work to extinguish the fire,” she said.
“We were panicked when we were besieged by the flames that literally spread in seconds,” she said.
Arasa and her family, who rely on animal husbandry for their income, managed to keep around 100 sheep and goats in their shelter during the fire.
“Thank God, they’re all alive. We didn’t let them out because we were circled by the flames,” she said.
But other than that, she said, “everything has turned to ashes.”
“We expect the state to cover our losses. We want new saplings to be planted instead of our burnt saplings, we want trees to be planted instead of our burning trees.”
“God will help, the soil will renew itself, but when? I don’t know.
Source: arabnews.com
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Most Ukrainians ‘hate’ Zelensky – Lukashenko
18 Aug, 2024
The Ukrainian government is out of touch with its own people, who do not want to die in the conflict with Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said, adding that Vladimir Zelensky has lost the support of the majority of the people.
In an interview with Russia 1 TV released on Sunday, Lukashenko claimed that Kiev’s neo-Nazi ideology does not resonate with the population of the country.
“There are no longer any Nazis,” he said, arguing that the few “rabid” nationalists remaining in Ukraine “no longer set the trend,” therefore, the country has been “de-nazified” – one of the stated goals of Moscow’s military operation in the neighboring state
According to Lukashenko, around 70% of Ukrainians “hate Zelensky because he promises one thing and does another; because people are dying.” He did not elaborate on the statistics behind his estimates, but noted that his nation has recently faced a large inflow of Ukrainians of fighting age who are “fleeing from the war” with their families.
Belarus provides some of them with work and accommodation, Lukashenko said, while others have moved on to Western nations. “Out of them, 99% are men who do not want to fight.”
Poll results published by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology in early June indicate that around 43% of Ukrainians believe democracy is in decline under Zelensky. Of those, 28% blame the government, while 11% pointed to the conflict with Russia as the main cause. Almost half of the respondents said that economic conditions, including transparency and the government’s fairness towards businesses, have worsened during Zelensky’s rule.
Zelensky remains in power despite his term officially expiring on May 20. He canceled this year’s election, citing martial law which he imposed due to the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has argued that the Ukrainian leader’s legitimacy as president has expired. According to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Zelensky’s approval rating stood at 17% even before his term formally ended. “Over 70% of the public distrusts all Ukrainian media, while about 90% would like to leave the country,” the SVR said in May, adding that the situation has sparked concerns among Kiev’s Western backers as well.
Source: www.rt.com
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Pakistan
Two soldiers, cop martyred in D.I. Khan, Lakki attacks
August 19, 2024
DERA ISMAIL KHAN/LAKKI MARWAT: Two soldiers were martyred and three others sustained injuries in an attack on a convoy of security forces in Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district, while a constable was martyred and three others were injured in an ambush on a police van in LakkiMarwat district, on Sunday.
A police official said that militants attacked the convoy of security forces and elite force near Maddi area of Kulachi tehsil in the jurisdiction of Kulachi police station. As a result, two soldiers were martyred and others injured.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Havaldar Mohammad Shaukat and Sepoy Mohammad Imran, while the injured included Amjad, Ajmal and Jahanzeb.
Police and security forces along with Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. They shifted the martyred and injured soldiers to the Combined Militancy Hospital (CMH), D.I. Khan.
In LakkiMarwat, militants attacked a police van, claiming the life of a police constable. The SHO of Bargai police station and two other constables were injured when unknown on Sunday.
An official said the police party was on a patrolling duty in the remote rural locality, bordering the tribal region. The martyred constable was identified as Nisar Ahmad of the Frontier Reserve Police. SHO Shakir Khan and two other constables were also injured in the attack.
The official said a large contingent of police was dispatched to the area to launch a search for the shooters who fled the scene.
Source: dawn.com
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Airlines asked to submit passenger details to curb mpox spread
Mohammad Asghar
August 19, 2024
RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has directed all incoming flights to submit a passenger manifest before arrival, as the country ramps up vigilance after the detection of the first mpox case.
After the WHO’s warning regarding the disease on August 14, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) issued a national advisory to adopt preventive measures.
The government had tasked the PCAA to monitor flights arriving from countries where the disease has been reported to be present.
In a directive issued on Sunday, the aviation regulator advised all airlines and ground handling service providers to take preventive measures against mpox.
“All the airlines are directed to ensure submission of [the] passenger manifest in advance for all international arriving flights to the Airport Health Establishment and Airport management at all international airports with immediate effect”.
The document must include the point of origin for all arriving passengers, the PCAA said and directed the airlines to ensure compliance.
The PCAA officials are also likely to hold a meeting with airline representatives on Monday to review the measures taken by the airports to screen the passengers for suspected mpox cases.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the officials to take strict measures to monitor and control the spread of the mpox, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO.
During a meeting, PM Shehbaz instructed officials to make screening processes at airports, seaports and borders more effective, the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
He directed the NCOC to monitor and review the situation on a daily basis.
The federal and provincial administrations were asked to develop better coordination to curb the disease’s spread and directed them to start an effective and comprehensive awareness campaign.
Source: dawn.com
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One foreign climber ‘killed’, two stranded on Gasherbrum IV
Jamil Nagri
August 19, 2024
GILGIT: Pakistan Army helicopters airlifted two stranded Russian climbers on Gasherbrum IV (7,925m) a day after an avalanche hit a group of five mountaineers who were trying to scale the sixth-highest mountain in Pakistan alpine style.
Out of the five, one was reportedly killed while two received injuries and awaited rescue in critical condition.
Shigar Deputy Commissioner Waliullah Falahi told Dawn that five Russian climbers Sergei Nilov, Mikhail Mironov, AlexyBautin, Sergei Mironov and EvgeniiLablokov had started their mission to ascend the peak on August 4. On Saturday, a snow avalanche hit the climbers in the morning at a height of 6,400 metres.
As a result, Sergei Nilov went missing while Mikhail Mironov and Sergei Mironov were injured. AlexyBautin and Evgeni Lablokov remained unhurt and were later rescued by the army and airlifted to Skardu.
Mr Bautin told Dawn they were hit by an avalanche, which started at 7,000m. He said Sergei Nilov lost his life whereas Mikhail Mironov and Sergei Mironov were injured, adding that he was in touch with his colleagues through satellite phone. According to Mr Bautin, his stranded comrades, though in a stable condition, needed immediate rescue.
Tour operator Ghulam Muhammad said helicopters couldn’t be operated on Sunday after the first sortie – which rescued the two climbers – due to poor weather conditions at the mountain. He said the climbers were stranded at an altitude of over 6,400m and helicopters could not land or hover in that area.
According to the operator, the helicopters will drop four local high-altitude climbers at 6,000 metres to rescue the stranded mountaineers. “The rescue team will attempt to bring down the injured Russian climbers from above 6,400m, and the army helicopters will airlift the climbers to Skardu, he added.
According to a press release issued by KarrarHaideri, secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, a dedicated team of five Russian climbers set out on a mission to Gasherbrum IV, driven by a solemn commitment to retrieve the body of their fellow climber, Dmitry Golovchenko, who went missing on the same mountain in 2023. He said their expedition, marked by determination and camaraderie, was meant to bring closure to a tragic loss.
The statement said Sergei Nilov was missing, with no information available about his status whereas two of the climbers sustained severe injuries in the incident. “Their condition is critical, and there is little hope that they will survive beyond the next day, casting a further shadow over the already grim situation,” the statement added.
The alpine club secretary said the army helicopters would launch another rescue effort to locate the three missing climbers, including Sergei Nilov.
“The situation on Gasherbrum IV remains dire, with the outlook for the remaining team members growing increasingly bleak. This tragedy underscores the harsh and unpredictable dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, where even the best-prepared expeditions can face life-threatening challenges,” the statement said.
Source: dawn.com
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Reports of cyberattack on ATMs untrue, says 1LINK
August 19, 2024
KARACHI: One of the country’s largest payment gateways has denied reports, circulating on social media, that ATMs will remain closed for two to three days due to a cyberattack.
The clarification from 1LINK Limited, a consortium of major banks that own and operate the largest representative inter-bank network in the country, was issued after a message started making rounds on social media and shared on WhatsApp that ATMs would remain closed for two to three days due to a ransomware attack.
The message also warned people not to conduct any online transactions during the period. It claimed that this report was aired on BBC Radio.
However, BBC Urdu — the local arm of the British broadcasting network — has dismissed the claim. It said that the last transmission of BBC Urdu Radio in Pakistan was aired on Dec 31, 2022, and no reports of a cyberattack in the country were aired on BBC recently.
In the clarification issued on Sunday, 1LINK — which provides banking services like ATM switching, funds transfer and payment systems — advised the public not to pay any heed to such reports.
“Thus far, no cyber threat has been observed on the ATM and online banking ecosystem in this context, and the financial service industry remains vigilant as ever before,” the statement added.
“The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is actively working with banks and 1LINK to maintain the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem, ensuring compliance with stringent IT and security guidelines.”
Source: dawn.com
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-------- Reports of cyberattack on ATMs untrue, says 1LINK
August 19, 2024
KARACHI: One of the country’s largest payment gateways has denied reports, circulating on social media, that ATMs will remain closed for two to three days due to a cyberattack.
The clarification from 1LINK Limited, a consortium of major banks that own and operate the largest representative inter-bank network in the country, was issued after a message started making rounds on social media and shared on WhatsApp that ATMs would remain closed for two to three days due to a ransomware attack.
The message also warned people not to conduct any online transactions during the period. It claimed that this report was aired on BBC Radio.
However, BBC Urdu — the local arm of the British broadcasting network — has dismissed the claim. It said that the last transmission of BBC Urdu Radio in Pakistan was aired on Dec 31, 2022, and no reports of a cyberattack in the country were aired on BBC recently.
In the clarification issued on Sunday, 1LINK — which provides banking services like ATM switching, funds transfer and payment systems — advised the public not to pay any heed to such reports.
“Thus far, no cyber threat has been observed on the ATM and online banking ecosystem in this context, and the financial service industry remains vigilant as ever before,” the statement added.
“The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is actively working with banks and 1LINK to maintain the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem, ensuring compliance with stringent IT and security guidelines.”
Source: dawn.com
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PTI once again gears up for power show in capital
IkramJunaidi
August 19, 2024
ISLAMABAD: In yet another bid to hold a power show in the federal capital, PTI founding chairman Imran Khan has directed party workers to make arrangements for the gathering this week.
Adviser to KP Chief Minister on Information Barrister Mohammad Saif, while addressing a presser in KP House here on Sunday, said the power show would be held in Islamabad on Aug 22.
However, the CM’s aide feared that Islamabad district administration once again might not allow the PTI to hold a public meeting in the federal capital.
For past several months, the PTI has been trying to get permission to hold a public meeting in Islamabad, without any success. In March, after receiving no response from the district administration despite multiple attempts, the PTI approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek permission to hold a public meeting in the federal capital. However, the district administration did not allow the party to hold the meeting. Later, the administration allowed PTI to hold meeting on 27th Ramazan, a date the party refused to accept claiming that workers would be busy in mosques.
Last month, the PTI postponed its planned power show in Tarnol after the Islamabad administration cancelled its no-objection certificate at the eleventh hour and police sealed the venue. The party then filed a contempt petition against the district administration for cancelling the permission. The court directed the government to decide on the venue of the protest in accordance with the constitutional provisions.
However, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, in a letter he signed, later explained that the closure of certain routes would portray the wrong image of the capital city in general and the country in particular. Moreover, it claimed, road blockades would deprive travellers of their fundamental rights.
Barrister Saif told the presser that the district administration was bound to allow a political party to hold public meetings in the city, but it was unfortunate that the administration repeatedly deprived the PTI of its right to hold a peaceful assembly.
Source: dawn.com
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Harnessing Islamic finance for climate change
Ahmed Ali Siddiqui
August 19, 2024
KARACHI:
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, requiring collective action and innovative solutions. As the global community grapples with the growing threat of climate change, the need for innovative and inclusive financial mechanisms becomes increasingly urgent.
Islamic finance, with its global appeal and unique characteristic to support real economy and sustainable initiatives, offers a unique approach to climate finance, blending ethical investing with sustainable development goals. As per the Islamic Finance Development Report 2023, over 1871 institutions are offering Islamic finance with an assets base of $4.5 trillion and the global footprint can now be seen in 120 countries. Islamic climate finance is also emerging as a powerful tool in the worldwide effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Climate finance often refers to local, national, or transnational financing drawn from public, private, and alternative sources of funding that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change. The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement also call for financial assistance from Parties with more financial resources to those that are less endowed and more vulnerable.
According to the Climate Finance Report 2023 by Climate Policy Initiative, average annual climate finance flows reached close to $1.3 trillion in 2022. The World Bank Group alone delivered a record $38.6 billion in climate finance in fiscal year 2023. The annual need for climate finance is expected to rise dramatically over the next decades estimated at $9 trillion annually by 2030.
Climate finance is needed mainly for mitigation actions that are required to reduce the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, large-scale investments are required to significantly reduce emissions, especially in the area of energy, transportation, and infrastructure. Secondly, climate finance is equally important for adaptation efforts in areas like industry, agriculture, water, and waste management, as significant financial resources are needed to adapt to the adverse effects and reduce the impacts of a changing climate.
At its core, Islamic finance is based on principles derived from Islamic commercial law, which prohibits activities such as interest-based transactions, speculation, toxic assets, and gambling. Islamic finance serves as an alternative to conventional financial practices by promoting risk-sharing, asset-backed trade transactions, rent-based modes, and equity investment that emphasise profit and loss sharing. This ethical framework fosters stability, transparency, and social responsibility, aligning with broader societal values and social justice while shying away from unethical and anti-social industries.
The core instruments of Islamic finance include Sukuk (Islamic alternative to bonds), Musharakah (equity-based partnership), Mudarabah (profit-sharing), trade and rental-based financing, and Waqf (endowment). These instruments are designed to ensure that financial transactions are conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent, and socially responsible.
In the context of climate finance, these principles align closely with the goals of sustainable development, making Islamic finance a natural partner in the fight against climate change. By emphasising ethical investments and social responsibility, Islamic finance can channel funds into projects that not only generate economic returns but also have a positive environmental and social impact.
The following are key areas where Islamic finance can contribute to climate action:
Green Sukuk: Green Sukuk is a Shariah-compliant financial instrument designed to raise funds for environmentally sustainable projects. These include renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure projects, etc. The first Green Sukuk was issued by Malaysia in 2017 valued at $58 million for solar projects, followed by Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. In 2018, Indonesia issued a $1.25 billion Green Sukuk to finance renewable energy projects, including geothermal and solar power plants.
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): Islamic finance is inherently aligned with the principles of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). SRI involves choosing investments that not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to society and the environment. Islamic financial institutions can further promote and integrate SRI principles into their portfolios by prioritising investments in green technologies, renewable energy, and companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Waqf for Environmental Protection: Waqf, an Islamic endowment, can be utilised to support environmental projects. Historically, Waqf has been used to fund public goods such as schools, hospitals, and water wells. Today, Waqf can be directed towards climate-related initiatives, such as reforestation, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. By leveraging Waqf for environmental protection, Islamic finance can contribute to the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Risk-sharing Mechanisms: Islamic finance emphasises risk-sharing between parties, which can be particularly valuable in financing climate adaptation projects. For example, Musharakah and Mudarabah-based partnerships can be used to fund climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions. By sharing the risks and rewards, Islamic finance can attract green, social, and ethical investors to innovative projects and infrastructure development, clean energy ventures, and much more, thereby facilitating greater investment in climate adaptation.
On the institutional level IsDB, Jeddah is actively working to support climate finance initiatives in the Muslim countries. In 2019, the IsDB issued a $1.1 billion Green Sukuk, the largest ever by a supranational entity, to finance projects in renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable water management.
Asian Development Bank is also actively supporting Islamic finance and issued a detailed report titled Unlocking Islamic Climate Finance in Nov 2022. The report recommends four specific channels for sector development: (i) greening Islamic capital markets, (ii) greening Islamic social finance, (iii) mobilising Islamic project finance for green infrastructure, and (iv) developing green banking services for the unbanked to support financial inclusion.
The potential for growth in Islamic climate finance is immense. With the increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development and the alignment of Islamic finance principles with climate action, more countries and financial institutions are likely to enter the market.
Despite its potential, Islamic climate finance faces a few challenges that need to be addressed to fully realise its impact. These include a) awareness and education among stakeholders b) the development of a clear and consistent regulatory framework c) linkage and partnerships for market development d) innovation for new financial instruments to attract impact investors seeking both financial returns and measurable environmental benefits.
Source: tribune.com.pk
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Nawaz, Maryam discuss cooperation in education, health, climate change with UK HC
August 19, 2024
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, along with PMLN President Nawaz Sharif, met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Murree here on Sunday and discussed cooperation in the fields of education, health, climate change and others.
“Punjab has entered the era of digitalisation and will soon lead it,” said Maryam in her meeting with Jane Marriott. The meeting also discussed matters related to increasing opportunities for higher education in the top UK universities for the students of Punjab. Political Counsellor of British High Commissioner Islamabad Zoe Ware was also present.
The Punjab CM briefed the British HC about the ongoing IT projects in Punjab. She said, “The project of Nawaz Sharif IT City Twin Towers in Lahore is fast-tracked to completion.”
She invited the British companies to invest in the Nawaz Sharif IT city. “British institutions will be welcomed to establish IT universities.” She briefed Jane Marriott on sustainable measures taken by the Punjab government to eliminate environmental pollution. The two sides agreed to benefit from mutual expertise in tackling challenges of climate change.
The CM also apprised Jane Marriott about the key performance indicators system for monitoring of police and administration in Punjab to improve governance quality. She also updated her on the solar panel project in Punjab.
APP adds: The chief minister appreciated the participation of foreign, Commonwealth and development offices in education and other sectors.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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South Asia
Iran reports deporting over 56,000 Afghan refugees in past four months
Fidel Rahmati
August 19, 2024
Iranian officials have announced that in the past four months, 56,356 Afghan migrants were deported through the Sistan and Baluchestan border alone.
On Sunday, August 18, Iranian media, citing GholamrezaBaghshirin, head of the Crime Prevention Management at the Sistan and Baluchestan Judiciary, reported that deportations from the Nimroz border have increased by 23% compared to the previous year.
Baghshirin also noted that the number of foreign nationals detained in the province has risen by 17%, with 29,902 foreign citizens arrested since the beginning of the year. He attributed these arrests to crimes related to “security issues, drug trafficking, and theft.”
The report further mentions that Baghshirin has banned the housing and employment of foreign nationals in the province.
Amid these actions, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as Afghan refugees face severe conditions. Forced deportations from Iran and Pakistan have created a dire situation for many who are left without adequate support or protection.
International responses have yet to significantly alter the situation, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global assistance and intervention.
The continued deportation and detention of Afghan refugees underscore the critical need for comprehensive solutions and support systems. Humanitarian organizations and governments must address the immediate needs of displaced individuals and work towards sustainable solutions to alleviate the crisis.
Source: khaama.com
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Uzbekistan products exhibition inaugurated in Kabul
Fidel Rahmati
August 18, 2024
The Uzbekistan Products Exhibition in Kabul was inaugurated with the presence of Abdullah Aripov, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and Taliban officials. The exhibition showcased various Uzbek products, including vehicles, food, agricultural products, clothing, and electrical appliances.
On Saturday, August 17, Abdullah Aripov, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, arrived in Kabul.
The Press Office of the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs announced that 35 agreements worth $2.5 billion were signed during Aripov’s visit to Kabul.
The office stated that 12 agreements valued at $1.4 billion were focused on investment, while 23 agreements worth $1.1 billion were related to trade.
The Taliban stated that implementing these agreements would strengthen economic relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan and significantly increase trade levels.
This comes when Central Asian countries have expressed growing security concerns following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The power vacuum left by the departure of U.S. forces has created opportunities for regional powers to exert influence and address security issues.
According to Fox News, this withdrawal has led to increased regional instability, prompting neighboring countries to enhance their security measures and strategic partnerships.
China and Russia are actively engaging with Central Asian nations to address the security vacuum left by the U.S. exit. Both countries are expanding their influence through economic investments and security collaborations.
China, in particular, is leveraging its Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen ties and build infrastructure that serves strategic security interests. Russia focuses on security cooperation to counter potential threats and maintain regional stability.
The involvement of China and Russia in Central Asia underscores their strategic interest in maintaining a balance of power and addressing emerging security challenges. Their efforts to fill the vacuum left by the U.S. reflect broader geopolitical maneuvers aimed at consolidating influence and ensuring regional stability amidst shifting dynamics.
Source: khaama.com
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Afghanistan and Uzbekistan Ink $2.5 Billion in Deals, Strengthening Economic Ties
2024-08-17
KABUL(BNA): In a milestone move for regional economic cooperation, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed 35 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) valued at a total of $2.5 billion.
The signing ceremony took place on August 17th at the Afghanistan International Exhibition Center, in the presence of high-level government officials from both countries.
The MoUs include 12 investment agreements worth $1.4 billion and 23 trade agreements valued at $1.1 billion. The deals were signed by Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani BaradarAkhund, and Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov. Government officials and representatives from the private sectors of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan also attended the event.
The implementation of these wide-ranging agreements is expected to significantly strengthen economic ties between the two neighboring countries and provide a major boost to bilateral trade. The agreements span various sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“This landmark signing is a testament to the strong political will and commitment of the leadership in both Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to deepen economic integration in the region,” said Mullah Abdul Ghani BaradarAkhund. “We are confident that these agreements will create new avenues for investment, trade, and job creation, benefiting the people of both our nations.”
The signing comes amidst a broader push by the Afghan government to attract foreign investment and expand regional economic cooperation. Landlocked Afghanistan has long sought to leverage its strategic location to emerge as a hub for trade and transit between Central and South Asia.
Uzbekistan, for its part, has been actively working to strengthen ties with its southern neighbor as part of its broader regional integration efforts. The two countries share a 144-kilometer border and have been steadily improving political, security, and economic cooperation in recent years.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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Third anniversary of IEA: Successes in security, struggles in economy and the path forward!
August 19, 2024
Saleem Kakar
August 15, 2024 marks the third anniversary of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s takeover of Kabul which marked a dramatic shift in Afghanistan’s political landscape. The immediate aftermath of this takeover was shrouded in deep uncertainty and fear, as millions of Afghans anxiously pondered the future of their country under the new regime. This uncertainty triggered a massive brain-drain, as many of the Afghanistan’s most educated and talented young people sought refuge abroad, fearing for their safety and the future of their careers. The loss of these skilled individuals not only has impacted Afghanistan’s intellectual and professional base but also cast a shadow over the country’s potential for recovery and growth. Economically, Afghanistan teetered on the edge of collapse. The freezing of Afghan assets in the U.S. central bank, combined with severe international sanctions, almost paralyzed the country’s financial system. By the end of 2021, the value of Afghani currency had dropped hugely, reflecting a dire economic reality. This financial instability encouraged a wave of migration, with traders and investors losing confidence in the domestic economy and contemplating relocating their businesses to more stable environments abroad. The humanitarian crisis deepened as unemployment soared, and poverty became pervasive. A December 2021 UNDP report painted a grim picture, describing that up to 97% of Afghans might be at risk of falling below the poverty line by 2022. Yet, over time, some aspects of life in Afghanistan began to stabilize. While the situation remains far from ideal, many Afghans now view the current environment – characterized by improved security and lower levels of corruption – as preferable to the previous regime. What Has Changed So Far? Despite the initial chaos and ongoing challenges, Afghanistan’s government institutions have remained operational under the IEA. However, the massive brain-drain has left these institutions grappling with a significant loss of expertise. The lack of professional and technical capacity has led to inefficiencies and difficulties in various sectors, as the remaining workforce struggles to meet the demands of governance and public service. Despite the loss of a significant portion of its educated workforce, the IEA has made efforts to preserve a large score of the former government employees to stabilize and maintain its operations. For instance, the health sector continues to function with support from international organizations. Government offices are open, and basic administrative functions are being performed. However, the absence of skilled professionals has led to inefficiencies. For example, in sectors like education, where the departure of professional university lecturers and teachers has severely impacted the quality of schooling, and the government has struggled to find qualified replacements, resulting in a noticeable drop in educational standards. Similarly, one of the most significant changes under the IEA has been the improvement in security. Unlike the previous years of constant violence and instability, every single Afghan individual now enjoy a level of security that allows them to travel across the country freely, both day and night. This has contributed to a sense of relative calm and has been one of the few positive outcomes of the new government’s control, even helping the country turn into tourist attraction for foreign nationals. For example, regions like Helmand and Kunduz, which were previously insecure, are now accessible to everyone. This enhanced security has allowed for some economic activities to resume, particularly in agriculture and small businesses. Despite series of sanctions imposed by the international community led by the United States, Afghanistan’s economy has seen considerable level of recovery at the micro-economic level. Small businesses, local markets, and agricultural activities have started to revive, providing a glimmer of hope for the economy. However, these initiatives are still in their infancy, and there is much more work to be done to restore confidence in the economy and create sustainable growth. Local businesses in capitals of the provinces and big cities across Afghanistan have recovered and there is a noticeable increase in small-scale trading activities. However, the absence of a robust financial system, due to international sanctions and the freezing of assets, limits broader economic recovery. This means that while microeconomic activities have picked up, larger industries and foreign investments are still largely absent, stunting significant economic growth. On the other hand, despite the economic and political challenges, there have been efforts to strictly implement the incomplete projects and/or plans aimed at improving public infrastructure. The IEA has undertaken several projects to repair and rebuild essential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and irrigation canals. These efforts are vital for improving transportation, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing overall public welfare. For example, the ongoing repair of the Salang Pass, a crucial route connecting northern Afghanistan with the capital, Kabul, will not only be a significant achievement for the government but will also benefit the passengers and visitors to feel the sense of a great drive. Similarly, the reconstruction of roads and bridges in rural areas has improved access to markets for farmers, allowing them to sell their agricultural products more effectively. However, these improvements are limited, and much more investment is needed to modernize the country’s infrastructure fully. As the temporary restriction on girls’ education has drawn has criticism, the Islamic Emirate is working to find a solution and provide safe environment for girls to go to school and university. Contrary to what most Western thinkers and followers think of education as a right, I believe that education is not a right; but rather an obligation upon every Muslim individual. In societies where women are educated, economic and social outcomes are generally better. For example, countries like Bangladesh and Rwanda have made significant strides in economic development by prioritizing girls’ education, which has, in turn, improved overall societal wellbeing. I would like to leave the readers with a Confucius quote that reads “If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for hundred years, educate girls.” We are sure that the Islamic Emirate reconsiders this policy by developing an Islamic education curriculum that is appropriate for Afghanistan’s context and ensuring that girls can safely access schools. This could include measures like providing transportation or establishing schools closer to communities to minimize the risks associated with commuting. The Path Forward For the IEA to turn into a regional power, it must further align its domestic and foreign policies with Islamic principles, which will help it gain legitimacy within Afghanistan and among Muslims elsewhere. However, these principles should be applied effectively, balancing ideological commitments with practical governance needs, economic, educational and social systems. For example, the IEA could promote economic policies that emphasize poverty alleviation, which are core tenets of Islamic governance. This might include implementing Zakat (charitable giving) systems more effectively, ensuring that wealth is redistributed to support the poor and vulnerable. Furthermore, for Afghanistan to secure its future, it must become a powerful nation, both in terms of its military capabilities and economic strength. This means investing heavily in its defense sector to ensure it can protect its sovereignty against both internal and external threats. Additionally, Afghanistan needs to build a strong economy that can support its population and reduce its reliance on foreign aid. For example, Afghanistan’s rich natural resources, such as minerals and precious stones, could be a significant source of revenue if properly managed aimed at facilitating the public services. The government should focus on developing these resources, boosting domestic businesses and attracting foreign investments, and ensuring that the benefits are distributed fairly across the population. Moreover, investing in modern technologies, infrastructure, and education is crucial to build a sustainable and diversified economy. On the other hand, Afghanistan needs to transition from an agricultural economy to an industrialized one to compete in the regional and global markets. This requires significant investment in manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. The government should also focus on creating a favorable business environment to attract both local and foreign investors. For instance, countries like China, South Korea and Singapore, which were once underdeveloped, transformed their economies through industrialization and strategic investments in domestic businesses and technology. Afghanistan can also learn from these examples by investing in vocational training to build a skilled workforce that can support industrial growth. Furthermore, Afghanistan should capitalize on its strategic location by developing trade routes and logistics hubs that connect Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. By becoming a regional trade hub, Afghanistan could generate significant revenue and create jobs for its population. Likewise, the IEA’s ultimate success depends on its ability to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people. This means focusing on improving living standards, reducing poverty, and ensuring access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. For example, the government should prioritize agricultural development, which is the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy, by providing farmers with access to modern tools, techniques, and markets. Improving healthcare is also crucial, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is limited. In conclusion, while the past three years under the IEA have seen significant challenges, there are also opportunities for progress and development. By focusing on security, stability, further practicing Islam, economic growth, and the wellbeing of the Afghan people, Afghanistan will build a stronger, more stable future. However, this will require careful planning, strategic investments, and a commitment to Islamic governance that serves the interests of all Muslims.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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NRB Islamic Life Insurance: a cautionary tale
Aug 19, 2024
SukantaHalder
NRB Islamic Life Insurance has been mired in irregularities within just three years of its inception. The insurer has spent far more than the permissible limits for management expenses and showed extravagance in car purchases since being formed in 2021.
The company also spent excessively on travel, conferences and seminars. As a result, the insurer's financial condition is nearing the point of no return.
Besides, the company has resorted to irregularities in fixing the permissible limit of management expenses.
Kibria Golam Mohamad, the chairman of NRB Islamic Life Insurance Limited, is also the founder of the Bangladesh Awami League, Italy and founder organising secretary of the All European Awami League.
As per a probe by the regulator, in 2021 to 2023 the company exceeded the sanctioned limit of management expense of Tk 21.17 crore, which is 1.48 times more than the permissible limit.
The life insurer collected Tk 81.51 crore in premiums from policyholders by the end of 2023, but its life fund showed only Tk 1.20 crore, according to a report by the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) dated June 3.
"The company could not submit any proof that it had invested money in the life fund," it said.
A life fund is an amount of money that is paid to and invested by insurance companies for life insurance, and from which money is paid when someone dies.
"The overall financial condition of the company is precarious, and it is on the verge of bankruptcy," the regulator said in its report.
To overcome this situation, the company's board of directors will have to inject about Tk 24 crore urgently and compulsorily, the report mentioned.
The company's paid-up capital is Tk 18 crore. However, the company withdrew Tk 7 crore of that with the condition that it would be replenished. Recently, the company managed to inject Tk 3 crore into the paid-up capital, according to the IDRA report.
Mohammad Jainul Bari, chairman of the IDRA, told The Daily Star that the premium collected from the policyholders was illegally spent by the company. The life fund has also not been constituted.
Answers have been sought for the irregularities that have come up in the report. Further action will be taken after receiving the reply, he said.
HOW THE IRREGULARITIES CAME TO LIGHT
A senior official of the IDRA told The Daily Star that the issue came to light while the regulator was conducting a fit and proper test after the company sent a proposal to renew the appointment of its chief executive officer.
The regulator sought various information to review the company's past business success and existing financial condition, including information on its paid-up capital, premium income, assets, investments and policy renewal rates.
"After analysing the information provided by the company, we found several irregularities," the official said, adding that the company spent policyholders' money arbitrarily and in breach of the law.
The IDRA said the company will have to pay Tk 34 crore in 2024-25 and 2028 to settle the claims of a scheme termed single premium policy. NRB Life Insurance will have to have an investment of Tk 23 crore to clear the claims, it added.
In addition, there should be more money invested to settle the claims of policies against its 'Double Payment Single Premium Plan,' for the period of 10 years, 12 and 15 years, said the regulator.
The IDRA said the company does not have any investment other than Tk 15.59 crore. If the money is considered as investment from the paid-up capital, no investment could be found out of Tk 82 crore collected as premium.
And, if the investment is considered as the investment of premium income of life fund, no investment from paid up capital exists, it added.
NRB'S 'UNPRECEDENTED' 85 BRANCHES, INCLUDING IN NAPLES AND ROME
The insurer was registered on May 6, 2021 as a full-fledged Islamic life insurance company.
In three years, it has expanded to 85 branches, according to the regulator report, which termed the expansion as "unprecedented".
Of them, two branches are located in Rome and Naples, making NRB Islamic Life Insurance the only local insurer that has branches outside the country, said a senior official of the IDRA.
"It is unprecedented for a new company to have 85 branches. This will increase the company's operating expenses," the IDRA report mentioned.
The company sells eight types of insurance products.
HOW THE COMPANY WENT INTO THE RED
NRB Islamic Life between 2021 and 2023 purchased 36 Proton cars ignoring the regulator's directive that it could buy a maximum of six vehicles.
In the case of a new company, such an investment creates a serious obstacle to the emergence of the company, it said in the report.
Furthermore, as a result of these decisions, the company's operating expenses increased at an alarming rate, it added.
A new car can be run for 10 years effortlessly, but the company is depreciating the assets at 20 percent per annum. So, the book value of the car will be zero in 5 years, the IDRA stated in the report.
"The result is that if depreciation of cars purchased in 2021 is excluded, the book value of the cars will come to zero value in 2025 or 2026 and they can be sold in the market."
Alongside that, the company incurred unnecessary expenses for travel, conferences and seminars.
The total expenses in these areas amounted to about Tk 5.43 crore, the report said.
"A new company spent Tk 3 crore on seminars and Tk 2.43 crore on travel, which is nothing more than enjoying the money of policyholders. There is a huge scope for embezzlement of funds in this process," the IDRA report stated.
REGULATOR INITIALLY TOOK SOFT STEPS
The IDRA could have suspended or cancelled the company's registration for acting against the interests of the policyholders and the company's business development, according to the insurance law 2010.
Besides, if the regulator suspects that an insurer is acting against the interests of policyholders or failing to fulfil the solvency margin requirements, the IDRA may, after giving an opportunity for the insurer to be heard, suspend the board of directors and appoint an administrator to manage the affairs of the insurer, it said.
However, instead of taking such a concrete action, the regulator recently rejected NRB Islamic Life's proposed re-appointment of Shah Jamal Howlader as its chief executive officer.
"The company's proposed CEO has acted against the interests of the company and policyholders in his last tenure," according to a letter sent from the IDRA to the company.
Howlader is also accused of misleading regulators by providing incorrect information in a report sent to the IDRA, it said.
In the face of these accusations, Howlader opted to stand his ground by getting legal approval to stay on as the insurer's CEO for now.
The Daily Star attempted to contact both Kibria and Howlader through email and phone calls on July 8, but they did not respond until the report was filed.
WHO IS KIBRIA?
Kibria Golam Mohamad is the founding chairman of NRB Islamic Life Insurance Limited.
After earning a law degree from the University of Dhaka, he established nine business institutions in Rome.
He also received an honorary certificate from the government of Italy for being one of the highest taxpayers from 1998 to 2011.
Other than his business interests, he is also the founder of the Bangladesh Association of Italy.
The Daily Star repeatedly tried to contact Kibria and Rahman for comment, but they did not respond to calls or messages. They were also e-mailed. However, no response was received.
Zahangir Alam, spokesperson of the IDRA, told The Daily Star that the regulator was reviewing the company's analytical report on the overall matter.
An explanation for these irregularities has been sought from the company's board, that is why a letter was sent to the company on July 4 highlighting the contexts of irregularities, he said.
An official of the insurer said that the company had sought more time from the regulator to respond to its letter. He hoped a response could be sent by the end of this month.
POLICY DISCONTINUATION INCREASING
The number of policy discontinuances in the company is also increasing.
In 2022, 41 percent of the company's total policies were discontinued and that increased to 43 percent in 2023, according to the IDRA report.
At the end of April 2024, the company had 27,387 policyholders.
NRB Islamic Life Insurance has been able to get away with such huge irregularities because very influential people are part of the ownership structure of the company, said Prof Md Main Uddin, a former chairman of the Department of Banking and Insurance at the University of Dhaka.
An insurance company that is in such dire financial straits should not be allowed to open branches outside the country, he said.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit should investigate whether the company is involved in money laundering, he said, adding that the two branches outside the country should be closely monitored.
"If a company finds itself in such a situation after just three years, the kind of role the regulatory body is playing is questionable," he said.
If the regulator finds that a company is unsustainable, the regulator should shut it down. Although that is not common in Bangladesh, he said.
However, if the government cannot do that, they should take strict steps to bring the company out of this situation quickly, he said.
Currently, there are 36 life and 46 non-life insurance companies in the country.
Payments against claims of around 10 lakh policyholders, amounting to Tk 3,050 crore, were hanging in the balance as 29 life insurance companies had not cleared their dues owing to a liquidity crisis, showed official figures published in March this year.
More than 26 lakh insurance policies have lapsed in Bangladesh in the last 14 years owing to a raft of factors, including the worsening financial health of clients, a lack of awareness among them, and agents' tendency not to explain product features properly while selling them. In 2009, the total number of policies was nearly 1.12 crore, but it fell to 85.88 lakh in 2023.
Source: thedailystar.net
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Africa
Senegal marks milestone with launch of first satellite
August 19, 2024
Senegal has marked an historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite from California on Friday evening.
It has become one of just 12 African nations with their own surveillance and telecommunications satellites in space.
The country’s President BassirouDiomaye Faye said the move marks a major step towards Senegal’s “technological sovereignty”.
"I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible," he said in a post on X.
MaramKaïré, director of Senegal's space agency, described the launch as “an important step and a historic day in our country's progress and determination to become a space-faring nation”.
GAINDESAT-1A was built by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with France’s Montpellier University Space Centre.
The nanosatellite was launched into orbit, together with 115 others, from the Vandenberg base in California using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
It will be used to collect data for various state agencies including those dealing with water resources, civil aviation, and meteorology.
Source: africanews.com
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Politicians Think They Are Immune From The Suffering, Like Bangladesh, Nigeria Heading For Rocks – Adeyanju
18 August 2024
IkennaNgere
Adeyanju expressed that the Nigerian government should view the just concluded protests as a clear indication of the widespread hardship facing the populace.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Adeyanju urged Nigerian leaders to learn from the experiences of Bangladesh, where similar struggles led to public unrest.
“This country is heading for the rocks because something eventually must give. A situation where people can no longer feed and barely survive, and then protest becomes inevitable,” Adeyanju stated.
He drew parallels with the situation in Bangladesh, where citizens, pushed to their limits, had no option but to rise up.
“We have seen what happened in Bangladesh where the people were pushed to the brink, and in such a situation, the people had no other choice than to bounce back.
“The government is still very lucky and fortunate that protest was announced and a date, venue were given, but unfortunate for the government, the do not know it yet,” he added.
Adeyanju further criticized politicians, suggesting they are oblivious to the suffering of the general population.
“The politicians think they are immune from the suffering in the country. Someone gave a brilliant analogy, which I would like to re-echo, that when the Titanic was sinking, people on the upper deck didn’t know what those below were facing.
“The people in the economy already knew what was going on, that the ship was sinking, and they were already choking from the pressure of the water,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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Aid workers sound alarm over worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan
August 19, 2024
Aid workers working with people who have fled Sudan to neighbouring Chad have sounded the alarm over a worsening humanitarian situation in the Darfur region of Sudan, where war has created conditions approaching famine.
TammamAloudat, who works for Doctors without Borders (MSF) in South Darfur, returned from a mission in Niyala last week and spoke of the starvation crisis affecting the region.
"There have been kids in the therapeutic feeding center, where we receive children with malnutrition who are above one-year-old, who looked like they are four or five months old," said Aloudat.
"What I would like to talk about is really pockets of severe malnutrition that is unmanageable on their own, and just to put it in context, a lot of children once they reach a stage of malnutrition they stop eating even if some food is available," he added.
Aloudat said he hopes the authorities’ announcement this week of the reopening of the Adre border crossing will mean more U.N. aid can reach hard-hit areas, but that many obstacles remain.
He said recent rains had led to the collapse of a key bridge in South Darfur, making it near impossible for large amounts of aid to reach the area.
Most recently, fighters from Sudan’s paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces rampaged through a central village, looting and burning and killing at least 85 people, including women and children, authorities and residents said Saturday, the latest atrocity in the country’s 18-month devastating conflict.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began attacking Galgani in the central province of Sennar late in July and last week RSF fighters “indiscriminately opened fire on the village’s unarmed residents” after they resisted attempts to abduct and sexually assault women and girls, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
More than 150 villagers were wounded, the ministry said.
The RSF has been repeatedly accused of massacres, rapes and other gross violations across the country since the war started in April last year, when simmering tensions between the country’s military and the group exploded into open fighting in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere.
Both sides have traded accusations of attacking civilians and obstructing aid since the country’s war started in April 2023.
The nation was plunged into chaos last year when tensions between the military and the RSF turned into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the country.
Meanwhile, diplomats from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union and the United Nations have been trying to restart talks aimed at calming the fighting.
But the country’s military has boycotted the event and the RSF sent a delegation to Geneva but didn’t take part in the meetings.
Source: africanews.com
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SADC summit in Harare as the region faces multiple challenges
August 19, 2024
Heads of state and government from the 16-nation Southern African Development Community gathered in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, on Saturday for a scheduled summit.
It took placed as the region faces multiple challenges, including an ongoing drought, protracted fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the outbreak of a new and more deadly strain of the mpox virus.
The DRC has also been the epicentre of the epidemic which has spread of at least nine neighbouring countries, with cases recorded in Sweden and Pakistan.
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the spread of the new strain a public health emergency of international concern.
SADC’s Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, began by extending “solidarity and support to member states affected by mpox”.
“We further request the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and other partners to avail the resources towards the mpox response in the region," he said.
Other regional issues on the agenda included food security.
SADC estimates that about 68 million people in Southern Africa are suffering the effects of a drought which has wiped out crops across the region.
It started early in the year and has hit crop and livestock production, causing food shortages and damaging the wider economies of countries.
Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, assumed SADC leadership during the summit, a critical first for his administration.
"Each chairperson carries forward with a vision of the region. If I am going to carry my own vision I will detail the vision of the region,” he said.
The summit took place amid increasing concerns about host, Zimbabwe’s crackdown on human rights, including the arrests of opposition members and activists.
Source: africanews.com
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Tinubu Travelling To France On New Presidential Jet Released By Chinese Firm, Zhongshan
19 August 2024
EnioluwaAdeniyi
This development was disclosed by the President’s spokesperson, AjuriNgelale, in a statement on Sunday night.
While the specifics of Tinubu’s engagements in France were not disclosed, Ngelale noted that the president would return to Nigeria after a “brief work stay” in the European country.
This trip comes after the recent release of the Airbus A330, one of three presidential jets previously detained in France following a court order.
Naija News understands that the Chinese firm, ZhongshanFucheng Industrial Investment Limited, which was involved in a legal dispute with Nigeria, allowed the release of the jet as a goodwill gesture to enable President Tinubu to attend the meeting in France.
Sources that spoke with Premium Times revealed that the Airbus A330 landed at the presidential wing of the NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport in Abuja at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The aircraft was received by officials of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet, led by Air Vice Marshal OlayinkaOlusola.
The Airbus 330, a multi-engine prestige jet, is now Nigeria’s Airforce One, with registration number 5N-NGA.
The aircraft was purchased for over $100 million, significantly less than its estimated market value of $600 million.
The deal was brokered by L & L International LLC, an aviation firm based in Miami, Florida.
The acquisition of the new jet followed recommendations from the House of Representatives’ National Security and Intelligence Committee, which raised concerns about the safety and cost efficiency of the previously used 19-year-old B737-700 (BBJ).
The committee recommended replacing some of the ageing and unserviceable aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational costs.
Source: naijanews.com
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Implementation Of₦70,000 Minimum Wage Requires ‘Consequential’ Adjustment – GovYahaya
18 August 2024
IkennaNgere
He made this statement over the weekend while addressing State House correspondents following a meeting with Vice President Senator KashimShettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Governor Yahaya explained that a committee, led by his deputy, is already in place to oversee the implementation of the new minimum wage in Gombe State.
He highlighted the importance of each state following the process meticulously to ensure the correct implementation of the wage adjustment.
When asked about Gombe State’s readiness to implement the new minimum wage, Yahaya stated, “Most states have set up committees. In Gombe, we have a standing committee, which we had since 2020 and it is headed by the deputy governor.
“They are working with the labour unions and all other members to try to see that we get through, it’s a law, according to, Senate President.”
Further discussing the implementation in his state, Yahaya added, “Implementation normally has to go with consequential adjustment, and state has to go with the process properly so that we kick it and get it right.”
It is worth noting that the previous minimum wage of ₦30,000 expired on April 18, 2024, and the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, along with the consequential adjustment, is expected to take effect starting in May.
Meanwhile, the organized labour has urged the government not to stop paying the ₦35,000 wage award to workers when the ₦70,000 new minimum wage becomes effective.
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made the appeal in a position made known on Friday by its chairman, FunmiSessi.
The NLC chieftain explained that the wage award is different from the minimum wage while reacting to a statement from a certain commission that the state was already paying more than ₦70,000 prescribed minimum wage to its employees.
Source: naijanews.com
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Cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed at least 22 people, health minister says
August 19, 2024
CAIRO: Sudan has been stricken by a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more in recent weeks, health authorities said Sunday. The African nation has been roiled by a 16-month conflict and devastating floods.
Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim said in a statement that at least 22 people have died from the disease, and that at least 354 confirmed cases of cholera have been detected across the county.
Ibrahim didn’t give a time frame for the deaths or the tally since the start of the year. The World Health Organization, however, said that 78 deaths were recorded from cholera this year in Sudan as of July 28. The disease also sickened more than 2,400 others between Jan. 1 and July 28, it said.
Cholera is a fast-developing, highly contagious infection that causes diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration and possible death within hours when not treated, according to WHO. It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The cholera outbreak is the latest calamity for Sudan, which was plunged into chaos in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and a powerful paramilitary group exploded into open warfare across the country.
The conflict has turned the capital, Khartoum and other urban areas into battlefields, wrecking civilian infrastructure and an already battered health care system. Without the basics, many hospitals and medical facilities have closed their doors.
It has killed thousands of people and pushed many into starvation, with famine already confirmed in a sprawling camp for displaced people in the wrecked northern region of Darfur.
Sudan’s conflict has created the world’s largest displacement crisis. More than 10.7 million people have been forced to flee their homes since fighting began, according to the International Organization for Migration. Over 2 million of those fled to neighboring countries.
The fighting has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the UN and international rights groups.
Devastating seasonal floods in recent weeks have compounded the misery. Dozens of people have been killed and critical infrastructure has been washed away in 12 of Sudan’s 18 provinces, according to local authorities. About 118,000 people have been displaced due to the floods, according to the UN migration agency.
Cholera is not uncommon in Sudan. A previous major outbreak left at least 700 dead and sickened about 22,000 in less than two months in 2017.
Tarik Jašarević, a spokesman for WHO, said the outbreak began in the eastern province of Kassala before spreading to nine localities in five provinces.
He said in comments to The Associated Press that data showed that most of the detected cases were not vaccinated. He said the WHO is now working with the Sudanese health authorities and partners to implement a vaccination campaign.
Sudan’s military-controlled sovereign council, meanwhile, said Sunday it will send a government delegation to meet with American officials in Cairo amid mounting US pressure on the military to join ongoing peace talks in Switzerland that aim at finding a way out of the conflict.
The council said in a statement the Cairo meeting will focus on the implementation of a deal between the military and the Rapid Support Forces, which required the paramilitary group to pull out from people’s homes in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country.
The talks began Aug. 14 in Switzerland with diplomats from the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union and the United Nations attending. A delegation from the RSF was in Geneva but didn’t join the meetings.
Source: arabnews.com
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Southeast Asia
New Singapore College of Islamic Studies to Nurture Future Islamic Leaders
19 August 2024
SINGAPORE – A new Islamic college which has been in the works for eight years is coming to fruition.
Speaking in Malay, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his first National Day Rally address on Aug 18 that the college will be called the Singapore College of Islamic Studies.
As the “newest project” for the Malay/Muslim community, it will nurture future Singapore Islamic leaders, he added. More details will be shared when they are ready.
The college was mooted in 2016 by then Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim.
The goal is to train religious scholars and teachers, also known as asatizah, who are able to provide sound and relevant religious guidance to Muslims in Singapore’s multiracial and multi-religious context.
Since then, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has gone on study trips to Islamic colleges in countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Morocco, Britain, the US and Canada to better understand how such programmes can be formatted.
In 2022, Muis opened a five-storey campus in Bencoolen Street for a postgraduate programme called the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam in Contemporary Studies to upskill asatizah.
At the time, Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs MasagosZulkifli said the campus would allow Muis to build local expertise and expand its networks with local and foreign scholars, as well as academic institutions. He characterised this as a key step towards the long-term plan to develop the Islamic college.
On Aug 18, PM Wong said he was committed to continue what his predecessors had done in working closely with Malay/Muslim leaders on many issues. These include improving educational attainment, countering radicalisation and terrorism, and uplifting vulnerable segments, he said.
“We have dealt with such issues head-on with courage,” he said.
“Each time, the Malay/Muslim community has rallied together, full of determination, and with a strong sense of gotong-royong. You have always looked out for each other and celebrated your successes together.”
Gotong-royong is a Malay term that captures the ethos of mutual assistance within the community.
Addressing Singaporeans, PM Wong added that he values all feedback and views, and will work with people to address issues close to their hearts.
“I will ensure that everyone in the Malay/Muslim community benefits from our nation’s progress and is able to play a full role in shaping our nation’s future,” he said.
He also said he will support the community in its efforts to become modern and progressive, while still maintaining its distinctive customs and way of life.
“I will continue with our engagements and ensure our Malay/Muslim community continues to make progress. Together with our Malay/Muslim ministers, Members of Parliament and community leaders, I will work with you to realise our vision – the vision of a community of success,” he added.
PM Wong also gave an update of his progress in learning Malay – a language he said he was familiar with as a child but did not manage to learn properly.
His parents had sometimes spoken in Malay between themselves, given that his father was from Ipoh in Malaysia and his mum from Kampong Amber, a village that existed in the area between East Coast and Amber roads in Singapore, he pointed out.
“I am diligently learning it now. I hope that my Malay will improve,” PM Wong said, as he thanked those who had encouraged him along the way.
PM Wong also said he sometimes meets the Malay friends he made during his school days at Haig Boys’ and TanjongKatong Secondary Technical School.
These friends have done well and their children have grown up, he added, noting that the Malay community has made significant progress over the decades, in tandem with Singapore’s own progress.
Among younger Malays, he sees even more who are well educated and who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields, he said.
One example he raised was Ms Guy Ghazali, a former district judge and assistant registrar in the Family Justice Courts, who was made the first female senior president of the Syariah Court in 2020.
The 41-year-old has paved the way for future generations of female leaders, with her professional excellence and community efforts marking a significant milestone in the legal profession, PM Wong said.
MPs who spoke to The Straits Times after PM Wong’s Malay speech showed support for the new Islamic college.
Mr SaktiandiSupaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said the school will add to the diversity of platforms for aspiring Islamic leaders in Singapore, while Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang GRC) sees the move as a way to hone young religious and community leadership at the national level and on the world stage.
“A college of this standing would put any of our graduands, our young asatizah, at an advantage in the region,” Mr Zhulkarnain said.
“It also makes sure our Singapore brand of multiculturalism, and being multi-religious, remains intact, and that we can straddle the progress of our nation while preserving our roots and our values,” he added.
Mr Rizal Anwardeen, who is part of the Henderson Community Club Malay Activity Executive Committee, added that there is a demand for Islamic studies in Singapore.
Source: straitstimes.com
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No NGOs appointed to raise funds for Palestinian patients - Khaled
19-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has clarified that it has not appointed any non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect funds to cover the treatment costs of Palestinian patients currently in Malaysia.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said MINDEF and the Malaysian Armed Forces have established their own channels for any parties wishing to contribute.
“We don’t utilise or endorse any NGOs to collect funds because the ministry and the military hospital already have their own channels. Those who wish to contribute can do so through these channels.
“If anyone claims to be raising funds for Palestinian patients, please verify with us. We welcome assistance, but it should be directed through the proper channels we have established,” he said after launching the ministry-level Fly the JalurGemilang campaign in conjunction with the National Month celebration here today.
Also present were Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri IshamIshak, Air Force chief General Tan Sri MohdAsghar Khan Goriman Khan, acting Navy chief Vice Admiral Datuk ZulhelmyIthnain and Army deputy chief Lieutenant General Datuk Tengku Muhammad FauziTengku Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said that the Palestinians who arrived in Malaysia for treatment on Friday are receiving proper care.
“I believe we are providing them with necessary and appropriate treatment. They are currently undergoing treatment, which may take time due to the severity of their injuries,” he said.
When asked about future missions to bring more injured Palestinians to Malaysia, Mohamed Khaled said that it would depend on the government’s decision.
Last Friday, two Royal Malaysian Air Force Airbus A-400M aircraft carrying 41 injured Palestinians and 86 family members landed safely at the Subang Air Base in Selangor at around 2 pm, after taking off from Al Maza Air Force Base in Cairo, Egypt, Thursday night.
Source: thesun.my
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Najib never even visited the bank: Lawyer Shafee slams prosecution’s RM60m power abuse charge in 1MDB trial
Ida Lim
19 Aug 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — The prosecution had wrongly accused former prime minister Datuk Seri NajibRazak of abusing his power to get RM60 million for himself in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) trial, as he did not even go to the bank, his lawyer told the High Court today.
In the 1MDB trial, Najib is facing four power of abuse charges, including of committing the offence of using his position — as prime minister, finance minister and 1MDB advisory board chairman — between February 24, 2011 and June 14, 2011 at AmIslamic Bank’s Jalan Raja Chulan branch for a gratification of RM60,629,839.43 for himself.
But Najib’s lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah highlighted that the prosecution had accused his client of committing the offence of abusing his power at AmIslamic Bank, instead of accusing him of committing the offence at any other places such as at the finance minister’s office or the prime minister’s office or any places related to his 1MDB advisory board chairman position.
“So this offence, they categorically said, my client committed at AmIslamic Bank, namely he abused power at AmIslamic Bank.
“But Yang Arif, we know from the prosecution’s various testimonies of the witnesses, what transpired at AmIslamic Bank are money received into my client’s account. That is their case. So what they are saying is the receipt of the gratification is the offence,” he said.
But Shafee questioned the prosecution’s charge and said it went against what happened in other cases such as the SRC International SdnBhd case, noting: “My client has said it, he hasn’t even been to the bank.”
“So Yang Arif, contrary to SRC, contrary to all cases, the prosecution has actually crafted this charge in a very convoluted fashion, and they got it wrong,” he claimed, questioning the prosecution’s charge which accused Najib of abusing his power at the bank instead of receiving gratification or money at the bank.
Shafee claimed the prosecution's charge was confusing and that Najib “never saw the building of AmBank” except maybe when passing by it.
“He's never been to AmBank, how does he abuse power at AmBank on that date? So this totally confuses us, prejudices us in our defence.”
All four charges alleged that Najib had committed the offences of abusing his power for gratification totalling RM2.27 billion at AmIslamicBank'sJalan Raja Chulan branch.
The first power abuse charge had listed four limbs or four actions that Najib allegedly took in abusing his power, and the second and third charge each had two limbs.
Earlier, Shafee argued that all four power abuse charges against Najib are defective as there is allegedly duplicity, multiplicity and ambiguity.
He also argued that this was prejudicial to Najib.
Shafee argued that the alleged defects in the four power abuse charges make these charges illegal and wrong, and that Najib should be acquitted and “walk away free”.
He argued that the prosecution should have separated the different limbs under the four charges into 10 charges so that Najib could defend himself better.
“So what we are saying, there should be 10 charges, not four charges. We are not asking for our client to be convicted of more offences. No, we're saying this is a fair trial, you have to specify, and if you have broken it into 10 charges, it would show the whole onus of the prosecution's case,” he said.
Today is the first day of the submissions stage at the end of the prosecution's case at the 1MDB trial, which is also when lawyers for Najib and the prosecution would present their final arguments before the High Court decides whether he should be ordered to enter his defence.
Earlier this morning, Shafee said Najib's legal team has filed about 17 volumes of written submissions covering about 2,500 pages.
The 1MDB trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah will continue tomorrow afternoon.
Source: malaymail.com
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Philippines detects first mpox case since December 2023, patient has no travel history
19 Aug 2024
MANILA, Aug 19 — The Philippines has detected a new case of the mpox virus in the country, the first since December last year, its health department said on Monday, adding it was awaiting test results before being able to determine the strain.
The patient was a 33-year-old Filipino male who had no travel history outside the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
“We are awaiting sequencing results and will update once available,” its spokesperson Albert Domingo said when asked about the strain.
The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency, its highest form of alert, following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that had spread to neighbouring countries.
A new form of the virus has triggered global concern as it seems to spread easily though routine close contact.
A case of the new variant was confirmed on Thursday in Sweden and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa, the first sign of its spread outside the continent. Pakistan on Friday confirmed at least one case of the mpox virus in a patient who had returned from a Gulf country, but said they did not yet know the strain of the virus.
The new case in the Philippines is the 10th laboratory-confirmed case the health department has detected. Its first case was in July 2022.
“Symptoms started more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles,” the Philippine DOH said in a statement.
The disease, caused by the monkeypox
virus, leads to flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild
but can kill, with children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune
systems, such as those with HIV, all at higher risk of complications. — Reuters
Source: malaymail.com
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Military procurement personnel to be rotated every three years - Mohamed Khaled
19-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Parties involved in the procurement of military assets and the construction of military facilities will be rotated every three years to prevent misconduct, including corruption, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Without providing further details, he stated that those involved in military asset procurement will not remain in their positions for long to ensure that the procurement process is free from corruption and abuse of power.
He said this measure aligns with the advice of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who urged the government to improve integrity in military asset procurement.
“The important thing is that we follow the government’s recommendation to rotate those in positions that determine military asset specifications. This ensures that no one stays in the position for too long. This means that every three years there will be transfers, and we will implement it,“ he said.
Mohamed Khaled told reporters this after attending the launch of the ministry’s Fly the JalurGemilang programme in conjunction with the 2024 National Month celebration here today.
Mohamed Khaled said the ministry relies on the budget approved by the Ministry of Finance before determining the type of assets required.
“There are no specific details, and we follow what the Ministry of Finance approves before we know what we need.
“I believe we have various types of procurements. As the supreme commander, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim indeed has access to what we do (in procurement). So we always cooperate with His Majesty,“ he said.
On Saturday, Sultan Ibrahim said the country’s sovereignty and dignity would be compromised if military officers were involved in corruption and abuse of power.
Sultan Ibrahim emphasised that as the supreme commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), His Majesty will not tolerate any ATM officers who practise corruption, abuse power, or fail to carry out their duties as military officers.
Source: thesun.my
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Muhyiddin’s 3R remarks: Let the authorities handle it - Mohamed Khaled
19-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: UMNO views seriously the TengkuMahkota of Pahang, TengkuHassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah’s decree for police the take firm action against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for allegedly touching on the 3R issue (race, religion, royalty) while campaigning in the Nenggiri state by-election recently.
UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, however, said the party would leave it to the authorities to handle the issue.
“I’m sure with such a decree, the relevant authorities will also give serious consideration to appropriate action that needs to be taken,” said Mohamed Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, after launching the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Fly the JalurGemilang campaign in conjunction with the National Month celebration here today.
In a statement earlier, TengkuHassanal wants police to take firm action against Muhyiddin for allegedly touching on the 3R issue while campaigning in the Nenggiri state by-election.
TengkuHassanal also expressed his anger and disappointment with the action of the PerikatanNasional (PN) chairman, who he said deliberately questioned the duties and role of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, when he was the 16th Yang di-PertuanAgong.
Source: thesun.my
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Rozaid’s death like losing a family member, says Anwar
19-08- 2024
SUBANG JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to the family of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Media and Strategic Communications director Rozaid Abdul Rahman who died yesterday.
Anwar said Rozaid’s passing was a profound loss, as he had regarded him as both a friend and a family member.
“I have lost a friend and family member because Rozaid has been a long-time acquaintance since his days in the media. His father was a close friend in PermatangPauh and even served as a state assemblyman.
“In the Prime Minister’s Office, he was a key figure in strategising media relations and providing a positive approach. My family and I pray that Rozaid’s soul will be blessed and his wife and family will be granted patience. Personally, I have lost a dear friend and comrade,“ he told reporters after paying his last respects at the Putra Heights Mosque here today.
Earlier, Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, spent nearly an hour at the mosque.
Also present were former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail SabriYaakob, Minister of Communications FahmiFadzil, Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri ShamsulAzri Abu Bakar.
Nearly 100 people performed the funeral prayers led by Putra Heights Mosque imam Muhammad IlyasZulkipli.
The body was later taken to the Precinct 20 Muslim cemetery in Putrajaya.
Among those who attended the funeral were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, former Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin, Ministry of Communications secretary-general Datuk Mohamad FauziMd Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul RajooDurar Raj.
Rozaid, 59, who was appointed as director of Media and Strategic Communications on May 23, 2023, died at his home in Putra Heights here due to heart problems.
With vast experience in the field of journalism for over 40 years, the veteran journalist previously received treatment at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, Serdang since July 1 and was discharged on Aug 6.
He is survived by his wife and seven children, aged between 17 and 33.
Source: thesun.my
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North America
Blinken says Gaza talks ‘maybe the last’ chance for truce
August 19, 2024
TEL AVIV: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Israel to push for a Gaza truce, said on Monday ongoing negotiations were “maybe the last” chance to reach an agreement to end the war.
“This is a decisive moment — probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” Blinken said as he met Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
The top US diplomat said President Joe Biden had sent him “to get this agreement to the line and ultimately over the line.”
“It is time for it to get done. It’s also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process,” Blinken said.
“We’re working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line, or, for that matter, escalating the conflict to other places, and to greater intensity.”
Blinken, on his ninth visit to the Middle East since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, is scheduled to meet later on Monday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The visiting secretary of state said it was a “fraught moment” in Israel and warned against any moves that could heighten regional tensions, following threats from Iran and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah to avenge the recent killings of two militant leaders.
Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, said Israelis wanted to see the return “as soon as possible” of hostages still held in Gaza since the October 7 attack that triggered the war.
“There is no greater humanitarian objective, and there’s no greater humanitarian cause, than bringing back our hostages,” Herzog told Blinken.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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Colombia officially approves ban on coal exports to Israel over its genocidal war
18 August 2024
Colombia has officially approved a ban on coal exports to Israel as punishment for its ten-month-long genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said in his statement on Sunday, "Colombian coal is used to manufacture bombs that kill Palestinian children."
Thus, “exports to…Israel of thermal coal” are prohibited, according to the decree, which was signed by several ministers, including the chancellor, Luis Gilberto Murillo, on August 14 and will enter into force next week.
Colombia was one of Israel’s largest coal suppliers.
According to Bloomberg, President Petro signed a decree banning coal exports to Israel. The decree, published on the presidential website, is dated August 14.
Petro also announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Israel and cut off arms purchases from Israel earlier in the year.
Colombia also joined the genocide case against Israel brought forth by South Africa in the International Court of Justice.
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas appreciated President Petro for reaffirming his country’s decision to prohibit the export of coal to Israel.
“We express our gratitude for the brave stance of the Republic of Colombia in ending diplomatic relations with the Zionist entity, in condemnation of the genocide that the Zionist occupation is committing against our people in the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement issued on Sunday night.
“We call on all countries to sever their relations with this fascist entity, to work by all means to boycott, isolate, and impose sanctions on it, and to prosecute its leaders as war criminals in international courts,” it added.
According to the Colombian government, the export ban will enter into force five days after the decree was published in the official gazette.
On May 1, the Colombian head of state said the country had decided to cut its diplomatic relations with the Israeli regime over the war.
"And we here in front of you, the government of change, the president of the republic informs that tomorrow diplomatic relations” with the Israeli regime “will be cut," Murillo said at the time, adding, "[We cut diplomatic ties] because of them having…a genocidal president.”
This comes as the death toll from more than 10 months of genocide has already surpassed the grim milestone of 40,000.
More than 92,000 others have also been injured in the regime attacks.
Hunger, malnutrition and lack of medical supplies are also taking their toll on the Palestinian population.
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US Centcom says it destroyed one Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle in Yemen
August 19, 2024
CAIRO: US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday its forces successfully destroyed one Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes on ships they perceive as bound to or related to Israel or the United States since November to show their support for the Palestinians in the Gaza war.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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Arab World
Saudi FM and Secretary Blinken discuss Gaza war, Yemen and Sudan
August 19, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ending the war in Gaza and developments in Sudan and Yemen during a phone call on Sunday, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
The call between Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the top US diplomat came as Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday on a Middle East tour aimed at pushing parties involved in the Gaza conflict to agree to a ceasefire deal.
He will meet with senior Israeli officials on Monday, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior State Department official said.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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Jeddah governor meets president of King Abdulaziz University
JEDDAH: Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, met with the president of King Abdulaziz University, Dr. Tareef Al-Aama, in Jeddah on Sunday.
During the meeting, Prince Saud was briefed on the university’s preparations for the new academic year and the admission statistics for male and female students in the university’s colleges, among other highlights.
The governor stressed the importance of keeping pace with the needs of the labor market, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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Jordan implements new investor-friendly regulations: Report
August 19, 2024
AMMAN: Jordan’s government has implemented 95 new measures to make it easier for investors seeking opportunities in the country.
In a report, the Ministry of Investment highlighted the country’s progress during the first half of 2024, the Jordan News Agency reported on Sunday.
The report, a part of the government’s Economic Modernization Vision, covers a wide range of areas including licensing, incentives, exemptions, investment-fund registration, and the submission of grievances.
The ministry has also streamlined its internal processes by integrating them with key agencies including Jordan Customs, the Income and Sales Tax Department, and the Civil Defense Directorate.
In addition, the ministry has developed a transaction-tracking system aimed at automating and simplifying investment-related procedures.
This includes the full automation of investment-fund registration, with requests now being processed through the electronic platform.
The report also highlights the creation of the Infrastructure Investment Fund, owned by Abu Dhabi Development Holding Co., which is set to execute several projects in Jordan.
Additionally, the ministry has updated investment-opportunity models on the interactive invest.jo platform.
It has introduced 12 new investment opportunities in sectors including tourism, industry, mining and energy, worth over $3 billion.
Efforts to refresh economic-indicator databases, international reports, and legislative frameworks have been made. This is alongside plans for several development zones managed by the Jordan Industrial Estates Co.
The report also notes promotional campaigns targeting external markets, including Britain and Germany.
Furthermore, a draft framework has been prepared for public-private partnerships, focusing on evaluating financial commitments, value for money and risk.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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Yemenis warned of harsh weather to come as flood deaths pass 100
August 19, 2024
AL-MUKALLA: A severe weather alert was issued by Yemen’s National Center of Meteorology on Sunday, as the death toll from almost three weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding surpassed 100.
The center warned that “heavy to very heavy thunderstorms” would hit the provinces of Al-Mahra, Hadramout, Shabwa, Abyan, Hajjah, Taiz, Ibb, Dhale, Hodeidah, Sanaa, and the western coastal areas and highlands in the next 24 hours.
People are advised not to venture out or cross any watercourses.
During the previous 24 hours the western city of Hodeidah received the most rain (66.3 mm), followed by Ibb (21.4 mm), Dhale (16.2 mm), Mahweet (15.2 mm), and Sanaa (8.7 mm), according to the center.
The latest warning comes as local authorities and media reports say at least ten people were killed and a dozen went missing in the heavy rains and flash floods that hit various Yemeni provinces over the last four days. This brings the total number of deaths in Yemen caused by flooding to more than 100 since late July.
Two young people were swept away by flash floods while attempting to rescue two children stranded in floodwater in Ibb, while two children were killed by lightning bolts in the Zuhrah region of Hodeidah. At least five people have been killed in the central and northern highlands.
The devastating waters have also swept away farmland, schools and homes, wrecked bridges and other infrastructure, and left thousands of Yemenis homeless and hungry.
Last week, Lisa Doughten of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the most recent rains and flooding had killed 98 people, wounded more than 600, and impacted 69,500 households.
Hodeidah is the province most severely affected, with at least 30 people dead and hundreds left homeless since late July.
According to officials in the government-controlled Hays area, one person has died and six others are missing after flash floods last Saturday that devastated 1527 households in 13 villages, wrecking crops and sweeping away animals.
On Sunday, Saudi aid agency KSrelief donated 7,500 boxes of dates to individuals in Hodeidah’s At-Tuhayta and Hays areas. The World Food Programme also distributed 12,793 food baskets to government-controlled areas.
In the central city of Marib, the government unit in charge of managing the displaced people camp reported that eight people, including four women and a child, were killed and 34 injured in the most recent heavy rains and strong winds. Some 3,673 displaced families lost their homes and other belongings and 8,689 other families were also affected.
The government has said more humanitarian assistance is needed for the thousands in need of shelter, food and medicine, saying present operations barely meet 12 percent of the demand.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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